Lincolnshire Car Parks to Implement Anti-social Behaviour Clampdown
Post several warnings, ungoverned behaviour and nuisance driving in designated Lincolnshire car parks are set to face severe crackdowns. These include the Station Road car park, known as the Cattlemarket, in Stamford, and the Meadows and Bath Row car parks. The operators hope to impose stricter control via a public space protection order.
The Incident that Triggered the Crackdown
The situation intensified in 2021, when Jordan Ford, an individual hailing from Everard Road in Spalding, engaged in an outrageous act. He strapped a chair to the roof of his vehicle and proceeded to take his friends for a ride around the Cattlemarket car park. Following the incident, Ford, then 22, was suspended from driving for 18 months in addition to receiving a 26-week sentence in prison, suspended for two years. South Kesteven District Council's CCTV operators alerted Lincolnshire Police about the incident.
"I have been in the police for more than 27 years and spent 14 years of that on traffic, and I can say that this was the most unbelievable driving incident I have ever witnessed, and the most dangerous," narrated PC Julian Laybourn from the Stamford Response team.
Implication of Public Space Protection Orders
In response to this, South Kesteven District Council declared it would intensify its crackdown on such incidents. Implementing a public space protection order can prevent drivers from hazardous stunts, racing two or more cars, or 'causing nuisance' through loud music, loud horns or unexpected acceleration. Violating these orders could lead to a £100 fixed penalty.
"These orders help ensure that the law-abiding majority or residents can use and enjoy their local public spaces and remain safe from anti-social behaviour.", said Ayeisha Kirkham, part of the council's public protection team.
"We particularly welcome the additional PSPO for vehicle nuisance and antisocial behaviour in Stamford which we believe will benefit many of the residents in the town," expressed South Kesteven Neighbourhood Policing Inspector, Mark Hillson.
Total Behaviour Reformation
Additionally, a dog prohibition zone order in the town has been revised to cover the bowling green, tennis court, and skate parks. Policing authorities in Grantham, Stamford, Bourne and the Deepings will also clamp down on alcohol consumption.