Issue - meetings

Public Protection and Community Engagement Portfolio

To consider report CH/181 of the Head of Crawley Homes, which was referred to the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Commission held on 19 November 2018.

The Cabinet Member for Public Protection and Community Engagement presented report CH181 of the Head of Crawley Homes which sought approval for the making of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to prohibit vehicle related anti-social behaviour associated with car cruise activity in the borough of Crawley.

It was noted that car cruise activity had been taking place in Crawley since 2010.  In the past 3 years the police have received at least 280 complaints of vehicle related anti-social behaviour related to the activity, and it represented a significant nuisance for those residents and businesses affected.  The proposed order would encompass the whole Borough, with the exception of Gatwick Airport and there would be specific signage in the most common areas where car cruising occurs. It noted that public consultation had occurred over the making of the PSPO, with the majority of the responses being in favour of the use of the Order.

Councillor Cheshire presented the Overview and Scrutiny Commission’s comments on the report to the Cabinet following their consideration of the matter at its meeting on 19 November 2018. The Cabinet were informed that the Commission had held a comprehensive discussion of the proposal, including seeking clarification over exactly what was classed as a car cruise ‘gathering’ and ‘activities’, and that the purpose of the proposal was not to vilify all those with “a passion for cars”.

Councillor Cheshire then presented the Commission’s three recommendations, namely that there was broad support for the proposals, and that a review report on the effectiveness of the PSPO be produced after 6 months. The final recommendation was that the Cabinet refer the decision to Full Council for their consideration and approval. It was explained that Guidance suggested the decision on approving such an Order could be put to the Cabinet or Full Council and the Commission felt that given that car cruising was a town wide issue it would be more appropriate and open to have all Councillors involved in approving such a decision.

Councillor Crow was invited to speak on the item and he expressed his personal support as there had been numerous car cruising incidents within his ward and he hoped that the PSPO would help end such anti-social behaviour.

In responding to the Commission’s recommendation over to refer the decision to the Full Council, the Leader stated that he would be against this proposal as it would not be in the interest of our residents. Being in mind the number of complaints, the level of nuisance and the dangerous driving, and as there was support by the Commission for installation of the order, it would not be a sensible move to delay the approval of the making of the Order.

Councillors Mullins, P. Smith, Skudder and Jones, all spoke on the report and the Commission’s proposal and echoed the Leader’s view. Comments were also made on the fact that the Manor Royal Business District was fully behind the making of the Order, due to the frequency of car  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9

To consider report CH/181 of the Head of Crawley Homes.

The Commission considered report CH/181 with the Cabinet Member for Public Protection and Community Engagement and the Head of Crawley Homes.  The report sought a decision on introducing a Public Space Protection Order to prohibit car cruise activity and associated vehicle related nuisance in the borough of Crawley.

During the discussion, the following points were expressed:

·         Acknowledgement that the PSPO would relate to the anti-social behaviour associated with car cruise activity. In excess of two cars constituted a gathering.

·         Concerns were expressed that the anti-social behaviour would simply transition from one area to another.

·         Clarification was sought as to the consultation undertaken, particularly with registered car owners of vehicles involved in such activity.  It was stressed not to vilify all those with “a passion for cars”.

·         Recognition that some instances of car cruising took place on private land and collaboration had been taking place with various partners and stakeholders.

·         Confirmation provided regarding the evidence gathering and issuing of the fixed penalty notices, together with an analysis of the proposed signage locations.

·         Whilst there was general support for the principles of the scheme, it was remarked that the Home Office guidance suggested the decision could be put to the Cabinet or Full Council. The majority of the Commission were of the opinion that given the town wide issue and to ensure all Members have the opportunity for direct involvement, it would aid democracy, openness and accountability for the Cabinet to refer the decision itself to Full Council, and following a vote this proposal was declared as Carried.

·         Members also felt it would be beneficial for the Commission to receive a review report after 6 months of implementation in order to effectively evaluate the impact of the PSPO.

Having considered all the matters in detail, and as a result of the comprehensive discussion and subsequent voting, the Commission felt that the following recommendations were appropriate to be referred to the Cabinet:

RESOLVED

That the Commission:

1.    Indicates its broad support for the report to Cabinet

2.    Recommends that Cabinet refer the decision to Full Council for their consideration and approval. (In line with the flexibility provided within the Guidance) 

3.    Requests to receive a review report after 6 months of implementation in order to effectively evaluate the impact of the PSPO.