£100 fines for troublemakers at Epsom Derby
Epsom and Ewell Borough Council have approved powers to fine people £100 for bad behaviour during Derby events, including refusing to stop drinking or intimidating others
People causing trouble at this year’s Epsom Derby could face a £100 fine, after new rules were approved by Epsom and Ewell Borough Council.
A public space protection order (PSPO) was passed at a full council meeting on Tuesday 6 May. The order will be in place in time for the Derby on Friday 7 June and could last for up to three years.
The PSPO allows police officers, community support officers and council staff to fine people for behaving in a threatening or abusive way, continuing to drink alcohol after being told to stop, or wearing clothing to hide their identity in order to commit a crime or act antisocially.
“There is an escalating amount of antisocial behaviour in the borough,” said Councillor Shanice Goldman, Chair of the Crime and Disorder Committee. She said: “The PSPO is a new tool specifically for the Epsom & Ewell area which will allow police and appropriate council staff to address antisocial behaviour effectively, without immediately resorting to arrests.”
Councillor Bernie Muir told the meeting that people in the area were feeling unsafe. “Some residents are actually actively thinking of leaving the borough,” she said. “Just having to put up with what is bad enough in itself — the fear and uncertainty of antisocial behaviour — but it’s going to impact economic life as well.”
She added that residents had complained about being uncomfortable walking past groups of people to get to restaurants or the Epsom Playhouse.
Councillors said they hoped the new powers would help improve public safety and the local experience during Derby weekend and beyond. Cllr Goldman said: “I hope this order will ensure a more enjoyable experience for everyone on the day, as well as a safer environment in the borough going forward.”