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Public Spaces Protection Order consultation

PSPOs 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, by imposing conditions on the use of that area which apply to everyone.

Bedford Borough Council introduced a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in June 2019 restricting cycling in the town centre of Bedford between 9am and 6pm. The order lasts for a period of three years.

This PSPO is due to expire in June 2022 and the Council is considering introducing a new PSPO for a further three years to include the existing cycling restrictions and additional restrictions on e-scooter use (not including mobility scooters) and skateboarding.

The consultation has now closed

Why we are consulting

By introducing the PSPO the Council will be able to continue to take action against individuals that commit this anti-social behaviour and ensure Bedford Borough is a safe and enjoyable place to live, work and visit.

As a result of the increase in use and sale of e-scooters and their well-documented safety concerns for users, fellow road users and pedestrians, the Council has received increasing complaints and concerns from residents about their use in the pedestrianised area of Bedford town centre and our parks and open spaces.

We have also received complaints and concerns from residents about irresponsible skateboarding in Bedford town centre, the associated noise from skateboarding, and the damage to the built environment from skateboarding.

In response to these complaints we are considering introducing a new PSPO with the following restrictions:

  • Prohibit cycling in the main pedestrian area of Bedford Town Centre from 9am to 6pm.
  • Prohibit skateboarding in the main pedestrian area of Bedford Town Centre at all times.
  • Prohibit the riding of an e-scooter in the main pedestrian area of Bedford Town Centre at all times.
  • Prohibit the riding of an e-scooter in some of our parks and open spaces at all times.

Locations and maps of areas we are considering introducing these restrictions (PDFs):

What happens next

Responses to the consultation will be considered by the Council and a report will be provided to the Executive for a decision in March 2022. Once a decision has been made the website will be updated accordingly, and if the decision is to proceed with extending the orders then the notices will be published.