Residents have only a short window remaining to share their opinions on tougher regulations being considered for Coventry’s central district. The fresh strategy seeks to address disorderly conduct and behaviour that troubles members of the public.
The present Coventry City Centre Public Spaces Protection Order, established under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, expires in November 2026. It forms one of five such orders currently in effect throughout the city.
Officials are looking to extend the order and add provisions allowing measures against any activity that creates harassment, alarm, or distress. A public consultation on these proposals runs until July 26.
What alterations are being suggested?
The existing order addresses several matters in the city centre, including requests for money, charitable collections, and limitations on cycling and e-scooters. However, officials wish to revise the current regulations to make them more transparent and straightforward to implement.
According to a spokesperson, the primary modification involves concentrating on conduct that is aggressive, threatening, or creates annoyance, rather than targeting individuals simply for being in the city centre.
Should the changes receive approval, the City Centre Public Spaces Protection Order would remain in force for an additional three-year period, concluding on November 21, 2029.
Officials propose the following adjustments:
Guidelines concerning begging, charity collections and distributing items would be revised to address forceful or coercive conduct, such as pursuing individuals, obstructing their movement, or persisting with requests for money after receiving a refusal.
Individuals who remain seated or standing quietly and ask for assistance in a subdued manner without causing harassment or intimidation would fall outside the scope of this proposed revision.
A fresh regulation would limit the use of loudspeakers, microphones, megaphones and additional sound amplification devices unless written authorisation has been granted by the Council.
A further regulation would limit temporary structures including gazebos, stalls, canopies and display stands unless they have received Council approval.
How to contribute your views
Those wishing to express their opinions on the plans can do so via the consultation webpage. The closing date for submissions is July 26.
Council staff have previously outlined that the effectiveness of the order would be assessed using figures such as fixed penalty notice statistics and documentation of interactions with individuals regarding nuisance conduct, whether for advisory or enforcement reasons.