Braintree District Council has launched a 28 day public consultation on the introduction of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for vehicular nuisance to cover the whole of the Braintree District.
Braintree District Council has launched a 28 day public consultation on the introduction of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for vehicular nuisance to cover the whole of the Braintree District.
The consultation is a statutory requirement and will allow the public to share their views on the proposed PSPO and any experiences they have had of antisocial driving and vehicular nuisance across the district to be added to the evidence to support the implementation.
Areas of the Braintree District including the A131 around Great Notley and industrial estates have been affected by car meets, racing and other vehicular nuisance. Essex Police has tried to tackle these by introducing dispersal orders when they have intelligence of car meets occurring, but this PSPO will provide police and authorised persons with increased powers for the next three years.
A PSPO can be introduced for a public area where the local authority is satisfied that certain conditions have been met, including the identification of activities that have had a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those in the locality or it is likely that the activities will take place and is likely to be persistent.
Some of the activities covered by this PSPO will include motor vehicles being raced against one another by two or more vehicles, motor vehicles driven at excessive speed, repeated sudden or rapid acceleration or deceleration (braking) causing a public nuisance, revving of the engine, performing stunts, sounding horns, amplified music and loud noise, causing an obstruction on a public highway either moving or stationary including driving in convoy.
Those caught engaging in such behaviour within the district will be subject to a fixed penalty notice (FPN) which can be issued by a police officer or a council enforcement officer.
Residents and businesses can see the full details of the PSPO on the Braintree District Council website and share their feedback by 7 September 2025.
Cllr Mary Cunningham, Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, said: “We have listened to our residents concerns regarding ongoing antisocial driving and vehicular nuisance across the district. This PSPO will provide Braintree District Council and Essex Police with the powers to try and tackle this ongoing issue and reduce the disturbance to homes and businesses affected.”
Residents can share their views on the consultation at: https://www.braintree.gov.uk/council/public-spaces-protection-order-pspo-consultation