PEOPLE are being urged to have their say on a plan to crackdown on off-road motorbikes and quads being used on green spaces across the borough.
Dudley Council wants to introduce a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) to cover Fens Pool, Barrow Hill and Buckpool nature reserves, open space at Russells Hall, plus Woodside Park and Marsh Park, after receiving a number of complaints from residents, councillors and politicians.
Public open space in Milking Bank, Pensnett Technical College, Lapwood Avenue/Ketley Fields in Kingswinford and Pheasant Street in Brockmoor, would also be covered by the order, which would give police and authorised council officers the power to issue fixed penalty notices of up to £100 for those caught using an unauthorised motorised vehicle on any of the green spaces affected.
Failure to pay the notice may lead to prosecution, which could result in a fine of up to £1,000. This, in addition to existing powers currently held by the police, could result in confiscation of the vehicle.
Councillor Karen Shakespeare, Dudley's cabinet member for environment, said: “I hope that residents will take part in the consultation about this proposed PSPO to help protect some of our public spaces.
“If it goes ahead, it will give the police and council officers new enforcement powers to crack down on people who spoil the tranquillity of green spaces and risk the safety of others by irresponsibly using motor vehicles.”
The PSPO would last for a maximum period of three years and could then be renewed for a further three year period.
To take part in the consultation, click here.
The deadline for responses is 9am on Friday, July 20.
To report incidents of motorised vehicles in public spaces call police on 101 or contact Dudley Council Plus on 0300 5552345 or via Twitter @DCPlus
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