Nuisance Vehicles Order 2026
Public Spaces Protection Orders
Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO) are made under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 and allow us to deal with problems in public spaces that have a detrimental effect on the local community’s quality of life. They impose conditions on the use of an area so everyone can enjoy it and use it safely. PSPOs also deal with likely future issues.
Police or authorised Council Officers can issue Fixed Penalty Notices of £100 or may prosecute anyone who without reasonable excuse does something which is prohibited by a PSPO or fails to comply with a requirement of a PSPO.
Public Notice of the Public Spaces Protection Order (Nuisance Vehicles) Order 2026
Notice is hereby given that Braintree District Council, in exercise of its powers under S59 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, and following the required statutory consultation, has made a Public Spaces Protection Order relating to nuisance vehicles.
The Order will come into force on midnight 29 May 2026 and will remain in effect for a period of three years, unless extended, varied, or discharged. The Order applies to all public highways and public places within the entire Braintree District, as shown on the Order map.
The Council is satisfied that certain activities involving motor vehicles have had, or are likely to have, a detrimental effect on the quality of life of people in the locality. These activities are considered persistent, unreasonable, and justify the restrictions imposed.
Prohibited Activities
The following activities are prohibited within the restricted area where they cause or are likely to cause harassment, alarm, distress, or nuisance:
- Participating in, promoting, or encouraging vehicle-related nuisance behaviour
- Car cruising and car meets, including congregating around vehicles
- Creating excessive noise, including loud music or engine noise
- Producing excessive exhaust fumes
- Driving in convoys causing disruption or nuisance
- Performing vehicle stunts, including, drifting, wheel spins or doughnuts, handbrake turns, wheelies
- Obstructing highways or public spaces with vehicles
Requirements Under the Order
Individuals must:
- Disperse when directed by a Police Officer, or authorised Council Officer, and not return within a specified period
- Switch off engines and amplified music when stationary
- Dispose of waste responsibly and not leave litter or vehicle-related debris
- Comply with all reasonable instructions from authorised officers
Offence, Penalties and Enforcement
Failure to comply with this Order, without reasonable excuse, constitutes an offence. Penalties include a Fixed Penalty Notice of up to £100; or Prosecution leading to a fine of up to £1,000 (Level 3).
The Order will be enforced by Police Officers and authorised Officers of Braintree District Council.
Right of Appeal
Any interested person may apply to the High Court to question the validity of this Order within 6 weeks from the date it is made, on the grounds that:
- The Council did not have the power to make the Order; or
- A procedural requirement of the Act has not been complied with
Map of coverage area for PSPO
Further Information
You can download a copy of the Order with accompanying map or inspect them at Council offices during normal business hours at:
Causeway House
Bocking End
Braintree
CM7 9HB
Dated
29 May 2026
Download the Nuisance Vehicles public notice
Download the full Nuisance Vehicles order
