A new restriction has been added which prohibits the antisocial use of amplified equipment such as megaphones, loud hailers, microphones and speakers.

Powers to tackle antisocial behaviour in Doncaster city centre have been strengthened - with a new rule introduced.

From Saturday 7 November, Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) powers to tackle antisocial behaviour in Doncaster’s city centre will be extended.

A new restriction has been added which prohibits the antisocial use of amplified equipment such as megaphones, loud hailers, microphones and speakers. | Iconic

placeholder image — A new restriction has been added which prohibits the antisocial use of amplified equipment such as megaphones, loud hailers, microphones and speakers. | Iconic

Introduced back in 2017, the PSPO has since been renewed every three years.

It gives City of Doncaster Council additional powers to crack down on antisocial behaviour issues, as they work alongside South Yorkshire Police.

Among other things, it empowers the relevant officers to impose fines for loitering, antisocial begging, the taking of drugs and other banned substances, urinating in public, tampering with parking equipment and drinking alcohol in public spaces.

Now, following consultation with the Doncaster public, a new restriction has been added which prohibits the antisocial use of amplified equipment such as megaphones, loud hailers, microphones and speakers.

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Crucially, this will only be enforced where such activity is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress and would not apply to authorised events, announcements or approved street entertainment.

Speaking about this, Councillor Gemma Cobby, Cabinet Member for Regulation and Enforcement, Planning and Safer Communities said: “The extension of the PSPO compliments the wider work under our Safer City initiative, which has seen us deliver investment into extra council and police patrols, introduce new CCTV equipment and other resources, as well as strengthen our partnership working with the police, local communities and businesses to make the city centre a safer place.

“In the past three years alone, officers have enforced against 1,333 breaches of the PSPO order and will continue to take action against those who flout the rules.

“We want to ensure our city centre is a safe and vibrant place to live, work and visit.

“However, for anyone found breaching the PSPO prohibitions, they will be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) of £100. In certain circumstances, they could even face prosecution and a larger fine of up to £1,000.

“I ask the residents and businesses of Doncaster to work with us, to report instances of crime and antisocial behaviour, to support local businesses and champion local enterprise, including Doncaster Markets.

“As we head into the busy Christmas period, our officers will continue to patrol the city centre to help keep everyone safe.

“We have a packed calendar of festive events and fun activities on offer and we want everyone to visit and enjoy Doncaster city centre, so please visit and support your city centre and local businesses.”

Residents can find out more about Doncaster City Centre’s Christmas event line up here.