£100 fines to tackle e-scooters, drugs and begging

Rules and £100 fines are to be introduced to crack down on the e-scooters, powered bikes and pedal cycles in part of Lancashire.

Problems caused by alcohol, drugs, begging and "illegal encampments" are also among issues in Chorley that a new public space protection order (PSPO) aims to tackle.

The regulations, designed to drive out what Chorley Council calls anti-social behaviour and low-level crime, have been approved by the cabinet.

The new PSPO has been drawn up after a previous order lapsed in December 2023, and was deemed necessary because "antisocial behaviour persists", having an impact on "public safety, perceptions of the area, and the overall visitor experience", the cabinet heard.

In response to a public consultation into the proposed PSPO earlier in the summer – as well as evidence from the police and the council's own in-house services – the new order aims to tackle individual issues that have been highlighted.

It means anyone cycling, skateboarding, or riding an electric bike or scooter can be ordered to dismount if they are considered to be doing so in a "malicious and/or dangerous manner as to cause harassment, alarm or distress".

Making requests for money in an "intimidating or obstructive" way, including by sitting close to cash machines and shop entrances, is also outlawed and erecting tents is banned.

Anyone requested to hand over alcohol in their possession must do so and individuals must not use "intoxicating substances" or controlled drugs in a public place.

The area to which the PSPO applies has been extended slightly to include the area around the Morrisons store on Brooke Street.

It had previously incorporated Astley Park and the Ackhurst and Judeland woodlands.

Breaches can result in fixed penalty notices of £100.

The decision by the Labour-run council came with a call for an improved response from the non-emergency 101 number, operated by Lancashire Police.

Reform UK opposition group leader Mark Perks said he had been told by traders that it could be "eight to 10 minutes" before the phone was picked up, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

In response, Lancashire Police said 101 calls were "answered by priority depending on demand that day" and advised alternative ways to report crime, such as reporting online or, when calling 101, using the our call-back assistance system.

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