Renewal of Eastbourne's Anti-Social Driving Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO)

Eastbourne Borough Council is consulting on whether to extend the current Anti-Social Driving Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for another three years.

Background

In response to public concerns, the Council introduced the PSPO in 2022 to address anti-social driving. The order outlines a list of prohibited behaviours, including:

Revving engines
Rapid acceleration
Speeding and racing
Excessive vehicle noise
Off-road driving on public land

The PSPO is active from April to October each year and applies to specific 'restricted areas' where such behaviours have been frequently reported. Sussex Police enforce the order on behalf of the Council.

You can view the full PSPO and maps of the restricted areas here.

What are Public Spaces Protection Orders?

PSPOs are legal tools introduced under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. They allow councils to place restrictions on activities in public spaces to prevent anti-social behaviour. Breaching a PSPO is a criminal offence and may result in a fixed penalty notice or prosecution.

Eastbourne currently has a number of PSPOs in place to address issues such as street drinking, and dog fouling.

Why was the Anti-Social Driving PSPO introduced?

The PSPO was introduced to address a rise in complaints during the summer months. In the summer before its introduction, police received 185 reports of anti-social or dangerous driving. Over 90% of residents who responded to the initial consultation supported the PSPO.

Has it made a difference?

Yes. Between April and October 2024, police recorded 160 reports of anti-social driving—a 14% reduction compared to the same period before the PSPO was introduced.

This improvement is attributed to:

The deterrent effect of the PSPO and signage
Targeted enforcement operations by Sussex Police

Can the PSPO be extended?

Yes. Under Section 72 of the 2014 Act, a PSPO can be extended if the council is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds that doing so can prevent the occurrence or recurrence of the activities identified in the order, and it will prevent an increase in the frequency or seriousness of those activities.