The centre of any city is always chaotic, but Birmingham City Council has taken steps to calm these streets down. It has introduced two new Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) this month to crack down on anti-social behaviour—and has banned a list of activities in the heart of the Second City.
The first (introduced August 12) focuses on ‘Trading, Collecting and Obstruction’ and the second (introduced August 15) is dedicated to ‘Noise’. Both PSPOs, due to expire in three years, hope to positively affect the quality of life of those on New Street and its surrounding areas. Anyone guilty of breaking the ban could be fined.
What is now banned in Birmingham city centre?
You are now prohibited from street trading and peddling, distributing free materials/literature/samples, as well as collecting subscriptions, cash or digital donations for charity or commercial purposes. Essentially, banning everyone from charity bin collectors to religious street pitches. It also bans the obstruction of the public highway.
The other PSPO bans you from using amplification equipment, musical instruments, or other items used as instruments at all times—including microphones, speakers, loudspeakers, megaphones, loudhailers or any other similar equipment. This PSPO bans activities like, but not limited to, busking, street entertaining, street preaching and public speaking.
Where do these bans affect in the city centre?
Although covering fairly similar areas, they are notably different and could be the difference between a huge fine and not. The ‘Trading, Collecting and Obstruction’ PSPO covers Victoria Square, New Street, as well as parts of High Street, Temple Street and Edgbaston Street. While the ‘Noise’ PSPO covers New Street, Temple Street, and parts of Cannon Street, Needless Alley and Waterloo Street.
To learn more about both of these PSPOs head here.