Councillors are backing the renewal of a public space protection order (PSPO) for a further three years to help to address issues in the city centreThe issues are around street trading, busking, begging and now more recently people riding electric bicycles (ebikes) too fast or illegally.
The order was introduced in October 2017 to help reduce anti-social behaviour and speed up enforcement activities – where the behaviour has been persistent.
The Council’s is supporting the renewal of the PSPO order from 16 July.
With the increase in e-bikes in the city, West Midlands Police and the Council are running a campaign to engage with e-bike food delivery riders via licensed food premises to inform them of the legal situation and then to enforce the laws that are already in place.
Police and enforcement officers will be in Coventry next week highlighting the issues to riders. Enforcement action is likely to happen if any riders are flouting the law.
Sergeant Dean Stew, Coventry LPA lead for off-road bike crime and anti-social behaviour, said: "We are happy to support the council in renewing this PSPO.
"We are listening to the community concerns in the area and know how much of an issue the anti-social use ‘e-bikes’ can be.
"We will be engaging with delivery riders to make sure they are aware of the laws and would ask anyone who has concerns to get in touch with us on 101 or via LiveChat."
The awareness campaign follows complaints from the public about how people are cycling in the City Centre, especially in pedestrianised areas and particularly by those on ebikes.
The report recommends that the PSPO is renewed for a further three years from 16 July.
Cllr Abdul Salam Khan, Cabinet Member for Policing and Equalities, said: “The PSPO is to address anti-social behaviour. We want to improve the quality of life for everyone.
“The order has worked well over the past six years and was renewed in July 2020. It simplifies the response of police officers and council officers when anti-social behaviour occurs.
“I’m pleased that we will be running a campaign with the police – especially concerning complaints about food delivery e-bike riders.”
Stickers and leaflets have been distributed in the city centre to make food outlets and riders aware.
In persistent cases where people flout the order action will be taken that could lead to prosecution.
Posted: Tue Jul 04, 2023 9:49 pm