Leaders of Ashfield Council said that harassment on the streets, including catcalling, “has got to stop” as they start deliberations on utilising legal authority to outlaw it in the area.
Under an existing Public Space Protection Order (PSPO), which is up for renewal this year, the authority intends to make it a crime.
Currently, residents who use alcohol or pets in an antisocial manner or urinate in public may be fined with a fixed penalty notice.
If accepted, the order would be expanded to include “nuisance use of groups of vehicles” and street harassment for an additional three years.
PSPOs are official directives that grant a council the authority to prevent individuals from causing disruptions in public areas by engaging in risky or bothersome behaviour.
The act of violating a PSPO is illegal. Nonetheless, no prosecution will occur if the offender pays a fixed penalty notice of £100 (or £60 within the first ten days).
In the event that it goes to court, those found guilty could be fined up to £1,000.
Police officers, community safety officers, and anybody else the council designates—like a private company—may enforce PSPOs.
The executive leader for community safety and crime reduction, Councillor John Wilmott (Ashfield, IN), stated at a cabinet meeting on Monday, April 8, that “there is nothing worse than a young girl walking down our high streets and being harassed.”
“It needs to stop, and it will cease.”
He called it “unacceptable” that 85% of the 141 Ashfield women and girls surveyed indicated they took safety precautions when they were by themselves in public areas.
In addition to other threatening behaviours, the proposed prohibition would cover “catcalling,” which is defined as impolite or unwanted remarks that are frequently sexually suggestive.
The PSPO would also make it more difficult for groups of cars to cause a commotion by doing things like drifting, loud music playing, and engine revving.
As of right now, it just covers the vicinity of M1 Junction 27, where there have been issues with car meets in the past.
It is suggested to enlarge it to encompass the whole region.
Additionally, advertising “car cruising” activities on social media would be prohibited.
Councillor Tom Hollis (Ash Ind.), the deputy leader, expressed his admiration for the PSPO’s effectiveness in the area of Junction 27.
“Hopefully this will get on top of it,” he continued. “Dog fouling used to be a huge issue in my mailbag. It disappeared but has started coming back again.”
If dog owners fail to pick up after their pets in public areas or are unable to provide a method when requested, they may be issued fixed penalty letters.
In some public settings, they must also keep their pets on leashes.
The Ashfield District Council as a whole will make the choice in September after the six-week consultation period starts on April 15.
