Police in Dudley and Stourbridge to get extra powers to tackle anti-social behaviour
Police in Dudley now have new powers to tackle anti-social behaviour, including bad driving and gangs congregating in town centres, after three new legal orders came into force.
Dudley Council has obtained three separate Public Space Protection Orders, which give officers powers to break up groups and issue fixed-penalty notices to people and groups causing a nuisance.
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The first order aims to tackle street racing, motor stunts and other dangerous and obstructive driving across Dudley borough, replacing an existing court injunction on car cruising.
Two further orders, covering Dudley and Stourbridge town centres, giving the police and council extra powers to stop groups and individuals causing nuisance, alarm, harassment or distress.
Anyone found to be in breach of an order faces a fixed penalty notice of £100 or a maximum fine of £1,000.
The order for Dudley town centre also extends to the Castlegate leisure park, while the Stourbridge one also includes Wollaston.
The introduction of the three orders follows a consultation last autumn where people had the opportunity to view the proposals and share their views.
More than 90 per cent of people who responded were in favour of each of the orders.
Councillor Damian Corfield, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, said: “There was an overwhelmingly positive response to our consultation, with people backing the introduction of these three orders.
“We want everyone who lives, works and visits Dudley borough to feel safe and supported as they go about their daily lives.
“Our message is clear; antisocial behaviour has no place in our community and these new PSPOs demonstrate our commitment to tackling those who cause a nuisance and distress to others.”
Chief Superintendent Gill Davenport, commander of Dudley Police, added: "Officers will be able to use the powers within the PSPOs to drive down anti-social behaviour and criminal acts.
"The orders give us extra powers to tackle these issues and failure to comply with the order can result in a fine or a fixed penalty notice.
"We know the issues covered in the orders are of concern to local communities and these additional powers complement other legislation we use as well as our partnership working to ensure Dudley remains a safe place to live, work and visit."
