Agenda item

Ms Vickers introduced the report and said the following:

·  The new PSPO would have in support a new coastal code of conduct for users;

·  It will have similar penalty fines to the Dog PSPO for breaches and will be in force for three years. The current fines were £100;

·  The code of conduct would help with managing anti-social behaviour by beach users. This code would help business as well that were particularly affected by ASB;

·  The Order had been drafted in a way that was more understandable and clear to costal users;

·  This Order was about advising the public on what we expect from them and what they can expect from the council;

·  Deploying patrols at beaches to have that presence was a good idea that would be followed through;

·  There were also rule changes regarding BBQ at beaches and jet skis;

·  An FAQs list would be drawn up for the public to refer to;

·  There would be further clarification on obstruction on promenades;

·  Targeted enforcement at hotspots like car carks would be considered;

·  The use of mobile CCTV was suggested and would be considered as well;

·  There would be a dedicated officer in the enforcement team supported by a dog warden focusing on PSPOs;

·  There would also be covid wardens who would be focusing on coastal areas;

·  Officers were also looking at the unintended consequences of the PSPO, which could be displacement of ASB to other areas of the district.

·  Members asked questions and made comments as well:

·  Stakeholders were keen to engage the council regarding the content and enforcement of the proposed PSPO;

·  Was Pegwell Bay going to receive specific funding to help create public awareness about the conservation matters relating to the area?

·  Was there any plan to manage kite surfing in Ramsgate Main Sands?

·  One of the reasons for obstruction at promenades was a lack of understanding by users, be they walking, running or cycling;

·  Would the council be issuing special BBQ bins for beaches?

·  In order to manage the nuisance caused by unauthorised vehicles at beaches and promenades, would pop up barriers be installed?

·  How would bonfires be managed using the new Order?

·  Will there be a dedicated telephone number that the public can call to report breaches?

·  Ms Vickers responded as follows:

·  With regards to Pegwell Bay, the council was trying to engage external agencies to ensure that they increased their presence more frequently in the area;

·  The council was considering increasing signage and informing the public about what was expected of them when they are visiting the bay area;

·  Officers could look into the issue of setting up BBQ bins at beaches;

·  Pop up barriers were set up last year. Extra bollards had been installed during this winter. Officers would be speaking to Your Leisure Council about setting up pop up barriers for Broadstairs;

·  Multi-agency meeting would be held ahead of the coming summer to find the best ways of policing hotspots for unauthorised parties.

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·  Members noted the report whose officer recommendation to Cabinet that on 18 March 2021 Cabinet consider and adopt the new beaches and coast PSPO, in accordance with the Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB), Crime and Policing Act 2014.

·  With regards to Pegwell Bay, the council was trying to engage external agencies to ensure that they increased their presence more frequently in the area;

·  The council was considering increasing signage and informing the public about what was expected of them when they are visiting the bay area;

·  Officers could look into the issue of setting up BBQ bins at beaches;

·  Pop up barriers were set up last year. Extra bollards had been installed during this winter. Officers would be speaking to Your Leisure Council about setting up pop up barriers for Broadstairs;

·  Multi agency meeting would be held ahead of the coming summer to find best ways of policing hotspots for unauthorised parties.

Members noted the report whose officer recommendation to Cabinet that on 18 March 2021 Cabinet consider and adopt the new beaches and coast PSPO, in accordance with the Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB), Crime and Policing Act 2014.