Nuisance vehicles public space protection order consultation 2026

Consultation closes: Friday 13 March 2026
Consultation opened: Friday 16 January 2026

Vehicle-related anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Central Bedfordshire is persistent, escalating and significantly impacting residents’ quality of life. Bedfordshire Police data shows Central Bedfordshire accounts for nearly half of all vehicle-related ASB incidents in the county, with hotspots in Houghton Regis and Dunstable. Behaviours include car meets, cruising, street racing, and obstruction of highways.

Bedfordshire Police currently has powers under the Road Traffic Act, but these do not cover static car meets unless witnessed in person. We're proposing a public space protection order (PSPO) to restrict harmful vehicle-related behaviours across Central Bedfordshire.

It will give police powers to issue fixed penalty notices (FPNs) at static meets and these can also be issued if incidents are witnessed via CCTV.

The PSPO will run for 3 years, after which a formal review will be required.