Fixed penalty notices issued for breaches of BBQ and Car Cruise

July 5, 2023

Southend-on-Sea City Council has successfully enforced its public spaces protection orders (PSPOs) this weekend after several breaches of the orders.

After another busy and fun-packed weekend in the City and along our award-winning beaches and seafront, pier and foreshore officers have unfortunately had to issue a fixed penalty notice (FPN) of £100 to a large group of people who flouted the BBQ ban PSPO, and community safety officers were forced to issue four £100 FPNs to drivers under the car cruise PSPO.

Leading up to the decision to issue the BBQ PSPO, there were some serious injuries sustained by children on Southend’s beaches because people had not disposed of their barbecues safely and appropriately. Disposable barbecues are also extremely damaging to the environment.

The Car Cruse PSPO was brought in after many complaints were received from local businesses and residents regarding noise from vehicles, the smell of smoke in the air, loud music, parking breaches, littering and other examples of anti-social behaviour.

Cllr James Courtenay, cabinet member for community safety & public protection, said: “We want everyone who visits our wonderful seafront and Blue Flag award beaches to have a great day out and, most importantly, a safe day out. This means everyone must take responsibility for their actions.

“Our public spaces protection orders mean we can enforce on anyone putting other members of the public at serious risk. Having the ability to issue fixed penalty notices makes a big difference and is helping keep the City’s busiest areas safe for residents and visitors all year.”

Details of all public spaces protection orders in Southend are available on our website.