The Executive Decision meeting of Waltham Forest Council on Monday 22 July 2024 was scheduled to discuss a proposed Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) aimed at tackling nuisance behaviour associated with organised car meets. The meeting agenda included consideration of the report pack detailing the proposed order, the outcomes of a public consultation, and a letter of support from the Metropolitan Police.

The Public Spaces Protection Order

The primary item scheduled for discussion was the proposed Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) concerning nuisance vehicles. This order, if made, would aim to address anti-social behaviour (ASB) linked to organised car meets across the entire borough of Waltham Forest. The report pack outlined that such meets, often involving groups of car and motorcycle owners, have led to significant noise nuisance, dangerous driving, and distress for local residents.

The report detailed the problem profile, noting 178 reports of nuisance car meets between July 2021 and May 2024. These incidents were linked to excessive speed, revving engines, loud music, and congregation, which are not always covered by existing legislation. Hotspot locations identified included Argyll Avenue E10 and the Tesco Extra car park in Highams Park.

The report highlighted existing enforcement measures, such as Operation DUNDRAW, ASB Patrol Service patrols, and Section 35 dispersal orders, but indicated these had limitations. The proposed PSPO would create a new offence for congregating at car meets, whether as a participant or spectator, and would prohibit specific behaviours such as driving at excessive speed, revving engines, sudden acceleration/deceleration, driving in convoy, idling, performing stunts, sounding horns, playing amplified music, displaying, and causing obstruction.

A public consultation on the proposed PSPO was conducted between 27 March and 24 May 2024, receiving 311 responses, with 88.2% in favour of a borough-wide order. The report pack included the outcome of this consultation, a letter of support from the Metropolitan Police Service, and an equalities impact assessment.

The recommendations put forward for consideration included noting the consultation document, the outcome of the public consultation, and the Metropolitan Police's letter of support. Crucially, the portfolio lead member was recommended to agree to the making of the borough-wide PSPO, which would be effective from 7 October 2024 for a period of three years. A timetable for the implementation of the PSPO was also provided.

The report also discussed options and alternatives considered, favouring a PSPO over an injunction due to its broader enforcement scope. It referenced the Council's strategic priority to deliver a safer, greener Waltham Forest. The legal implications were detailed, referencing the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, and the need to have regard for human rights legislation. The equalities impact assessment concluded that the policy would have a positive impact by preventing the negative effects of nuisance caused by car meets.