A new Public Space Protection Order has been approved by North East Lincolnshire Council’s Cabinet to help tackle anti-social behaviour linked to nuisance vehicles and improve safety for residents and visitors.
The order will support ongoing partnership work with Humberside Police to address issues caused by anti-social driving, nuisance vehicles and the illegal use of e-scooters in public spaces.
Reports of vehicle-related anti-social behaviour have increased locally, rising from 241 incidents in 2024 to 314 in 2025. The introduction of the PSPO will give authorised officers additional powers to intervene where vehicle use is causing nuisance, risk or disruption within the community.
PSPOs are designed to address persistent anti-social behaviour that affects people’s quality of life. They set clear conditions so that public spaces can be used safely and enjoyed without nuisance, annoyance or intimidation.
Alongside the PSPO, council officers have been working closely with Humberside Police in areas where reports of nuisance vehicle activity have been particularly high. This includes North Promenade, where enforcement action has already been taken, fines have been issued, an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) camera has been installed, and police have used Section 39 notices to help deter further incidents.
These prevent the driver from returning to a specific place for up to a year or risk having their vehicle taken off them. The PSPO will also cover the use of illegal e-scooters on the streets and roads across North East Lincolnshire.
This measure is something that is in use across other parts of the borough too including Grimsby town centre where cycling is prohibited or Immingham town centre where, for example, using foul language is deemed to be in breach of the PSPO.
The new order was something that many residents felt was necessary to help improve the safety of the borough with 96% of people surveyed agreed that this should be brought in. The conditions of the new PSPO include:
- Any unauthorised use of a mechanically propelled vehicle in or on footpaths, pavements, grass verges, parks and open spaces.
- Any performance of stunts (including but not limited to performing doughnuts, skidding, handbrake turns, wheel spinning)
- Any sudden or excessive acceleration or braking.
- Racing involving two or more vehicles.
- Leaving engines idle for extended periods.
- Revving engine so as to cause a nuisance to persons in the locality
- Sounding motor vehicle horns other than in accordance with the Highway Code in such a manner as to cause a nuisance to persons in the locality.
- Making or allowing excessive noise from an exhaust in such a manner as to cause a nuisance.
Councillor Oliver Freeston, Leader of the Council, said: “People should not be made to feel unsafe in the neighbourhoods in which they live. These orders are the Council’s way of helping to make sure this isn’t the case. We know how frustrating and intimidating nuisance vehicles can be, particularly when they are used irresponsibly in parks, open spaces and other areas where people should be able to walk, relax and spend time safely. By working alongside Humberside Police, there is nowhere to hide for those who feel this is acceptable behaviour.”
For more information on PSPOs, visit Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO) | NELC
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