Crackdown on car cruising in Central Bedfordshire
Public space protection orders proposed to curb car cruising and street racing
Central Bedfordshire Council is planning to implement a public space protection order (PSPO) to address persistent vehicle-related anti-social behaviour in the area, with enforcement led by Bedfordshire Police.
A report to the council’s executive highlights that nearly half of all vehicle-related anti-social behaviour incidents across the county occur in Central Bedfordshire, with specific hotspots identified in Houghton Regis and Dunstable.
Behaviours linked to these issues include car meets, street racing, nuisance obstruction of highways, and activities such as drifting, stunts, and excessive engine noise.
The proposed PSPO would introduce restrictions against these harmful behaviours across Central Bedfordshire. Non-compliance could result in a £100 fixed penalty notice or a court summons.
According to the report, Bedfordshire Police will lead enforcement duties under a memorandum of understanding. This includes response to incidents, evidence gathering, and prosecutions using PSPO powers. The council will support enforcement through methods like CCTV deployment and issuing fixed penalty notices.
The council noted that actions like rapid acceleration, amplified music at excessive volumes from vehicles, intimidating behaviour, and littering from vehicles would also be restricted.
A consultation will take place before the PSPO is introduced. If approved, signage would be installed in September 2026 with enforcement beginning the following month.
PSPOs were introduced under The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 and are council-led. They aim to protect individuals from harmful behaviours, with orders lasting up to three years before review.