A POPULAR seaside hotspot is planning to introduce plans which will see officers be allowed to hand out £100 fines for swearing.
Council papers from a meeting earlier this week have revealed that the authority hopes to enforce these controversial fines to tackle antisocial behaviour.
Shutterstock EditorialA council has revealed plans to crackdown on swearing at popular seaside hotspot[/caption]
AlamyThose caught could face a £100 fine[/caption]
Council crackdown on swearing and ‘foul’ language
A report from Thanet District Council said: “All persons are prohibited from using foul or abusive language in such a manner that is loud and can be heard by others and cause either alarm or distress to any other person in any public place.”
This rule comes under the public space protection order (PSPO) – which the council is trying to reinstate after a failed attempt last year.
The penalty for breaking this PSPO, which will cover the entirety of Margate, Ramsgate and Broadstairs, is £100 to be paid within 28 days, with a reduced fine of £60 if paid within 14 days.
In addition to swearing, the order also bans anti-social groups, misuse of public space, urinating, deficating or spitting, legal psychoactive substances (such as nitrous oxide), humiliating others and consuming alcohol.
Council responds to criticism
This comes after Thanet District Council attempted to initiate this order last July.
The authority declared the restrictions were to stop “foul or abusive language” from ruining the peaceful atmosphere of the streets.
However, after the Free Speech Union (FSU) threatened to take legal action, the scheme was scrapped a month later.
This order has been met with criticism, of which the new report acknowledges.
The document explains that exceptions will be made if people have a “reasonable excuse” for breaking the rules.
It states: “In response to these concerns, residents should be reassured that there are a number of protections within the order.
“The first is that there is a defence of ‘reasonable excuse’ so that if someone appeared to be in breach of one of the restrictions but had a reasonable excuse, then no further action would be taken.
“The second is that the Human Rights Act remains applicable and the rights afforded under Article 10 and 11, freedom of expression and assembly, remain relevant.”
Kent Police in favour of restrictions
Chief Inspector Ian Swallow from Kent Police is in favour of the PSPO.
In a letter of support, he wrote: “I can confirm that Kent Police support the implementation of a PSPO for the Thanet district and agree with the proposed prohibitions and requirements.
“We believe that the implementation of the PSPO is a necessary measure to reduce crime, disorder, and ASB on the Thanet District, and to provide Officers and staff suitable powers to deal with such behaviour.”
He also explained that he sees a lot of this type of anti-social behaviour in the area, with police receiving reports of swearing and threatening behaviour on the town’s beaches during the summer months.
AlamyThe ban will span across Margate, Ramsgate, and Broadstairs[/caption]
AlamyThis is the second time the council has attempted to impose these rules[/caption]
Mr Swallow claimed they receive multiple reports from businesses and councillors of street drinkers and young people abusing shopkeepers and members of the public trying to use the town centre amenities.
He concluded: “This type of behaviour if left unchecked can escalate and result in violence or other disorder.”
Councillor addresses PSPO plans
Councillor Heather Keen, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods at Thanet District council, said: “Antisocial behaviour can have a damaging effect on our local community.
“We’ve sadly seen situations in our public spaces recently which have escalated and we know that local people, visitors and businesses want more to be done to tackle this.”
She explained that the PSPO aims to reduce this antisocial behaviour.
Ms Keen also shared that the proposed restrictions are not only similar to the district’s previous PSPO, but they also mirror those put in place across other parts of Kent.
On the subject of free speech, she added: “To be clear, the restriction around language is not aimed at preventing free speech or swearing, but foul language that is such to cause fear, distress or alarm.
“Evidence gathered by officers indicates that this is a significant issue impacting residents.”
Ms Keen also addressed the legal action which was threatened to be taken against the previous PSPO, saying they have since gathered further evidence which indicates that this restriction in proportionate.
She said: “The public and stakeholder response has again indicated overwhelming support for all of the proposed restrictions.
“As a result we will consider the proposed order when the Cabinet meets on Thursday 24 July to carefully consider the results of consultation and take a view.
“Subject to approval, we will seek to implement this as soon as possible.”
Cabinet members are expected to discuss the revisited order in the council chamber on July 24.
If approved, the PSPO will be in place for three years.
The Sun has reached out to Thanet District Council for summer comment.
AlamyThe proposed ban comes after reports of antisocial behaviour in the area[/caption]
Shutterstock EditorialIf successful, the PSPO will remain in place for the next three years[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
