Police warn car cruises in Milton Keynes they are breaking the law

Police in Milton Keynes have reminded people that a Car Cruising Public Space Protection Order remains in place across the area.

In a short statement Thames Valley Police issued a warning to car cruisers in MK that they will be out in force to clamp down on the issue.

"PLEASE REMEMBER Car Cruising PSPO still in force in Milton Keynes meaning that people involved in ASB involving the use of their vehicles can be fined by police," a police spokesman said.

"Officers will be conducting high visibility patrols across MK tonight to enforce the PSPO."

Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) were introduced by the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, and are intended to deal with a particular nuisance or problem in a particular area that is detrimental to the local community’s quality of life.

According to MK Council, car cruising is an unregulated activity that has grown both nationally and locally. Car enthusiasts gather to exhibit and drive their cars, sometimes in a dangerous manner.

"These events are unregulated and pre-planned, usually via social media," MK Council's website states.

"In Milton Keynes there have been regular car cruise events which can attract in excess of 1000 cars. This gives rise to complaints of associated anti-social behaviour from residents including excessive noise and dangerous driving activities.

"The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 introduced Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO) which are intended to provide the means of preventing individuals or groups committing anti-social behaviour in a public space. The power to make the order rests with Local Authorities in consultation with the police and other relevant bodies who may be affected.

"Following a public consultation in 2019, Milton Keynes Council introduced a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) on 21st January 2020 to allow the anti-social behaviour associated with Car Cruising to be more effectively controlled."

The PSPO is enforced by Thames Valley Police, supported by MK Council.

It is an offence for a person without reasonable excuse;

a. to do anything that the person is prohibited from doing by a public spaces protection order, or

b. to fail to comply with a requirement to which the person is subject under a public spaces protection order.

A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale (£1000)

Fixed Penalty Notices

A constable or authorised person may issue a fixed penalty notice (FPN) of £100 to any person they have reason to believe committed an offence under this Public Space Protection Order.