Extension of Engayne School PSPO Scheme – Have Your Say
The Council are consulting on extending the existing Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) covering Engayne School to include Helford Way, Blyth Walk and The Rodings (coloured green on map).
Residents can have their say on the suggested extension by visiting https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/LF26FKF to complete a short survey. The consultation is open until 11th February 2018.
There will be an opportunity for you to attend a public drop in session at Cranham Community Centre in the Coffee Lounge on Thursday 25th January between 6pm and 8pm to meet the team and ask any questions you have about the proposed changes.
What is a PSPO?
The Engayne School PSPO has been in place since November 2016 and has proved effective in keeping children safe and encouraging a healthier lifestyle by promoting exercise and reducing pollution around the school.
The following Q&A has been compiled to give residents a clear picture of how the scheme works:
Q. WHAT DOES A PUBLIC SPACE PROTECTION ORDER (PSPO) DO?
In its broad sense, a PSPO is applied to an area considered to be subject to an activity deemed to be anti-social and of a persistent nature. To conduct any activity prohibited is a criminal offence and will be subject to a fine.
Q. WHEN IS IT EFFECTIVE?
During school terms only between 8am and 9.30am then 2.30pm and 4pm. The only activity that is prohibited in these hours is the dropping off or picking up school children. Everything else is as normal.
Q. WHAT IS THE PENALTY?
A Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) for £100 is issued by either CCTV or an Enforcement Officer in the instance a breach of the prohibition is witnessed. There is no discount, nor does the fine increase like a Penalty Charge Notice issued for a parking offence.
Q. CAN I APPEAL A PENALTY?
This is a criminal notice and can only be contested in front of a magistrate. Going before a magistrate risks incurring additional legal fees levied by the prosecuting Authority in the event it is upheld.
Q. DOES A PSPO STOP ME FROM PARKING OUTSIDE OF MY HOME?
No, it is not a parking restriction. You do not need to register your vehicle, or the vehicles of your visitors.
Q. CAN I PARK IN A MARKED BAY?
You can still park in a marked bay as directed by the signage, but you must not drop off or pick up a school child while doing so during the prohibited hours.
Q. DO I NEED A PERMIT?
Parking permits are not required for anyone who lives in, or requires access to a restricted zone. A penalty will only be issued in the instance a breach of the prohibited activity is witnessed by an authorised officer.
Q. DO PARKING RESTRICTIONS STILL APPLY?
All parking restrictions such as the School Keep Clear markings and double yellow lines are still enforceable. In the instance a civil parking offence is committed at the same time as a criminal offence, the more serious offence will be pursued.
Q. ARE THERE EXEMPTIONS TO THE RESTRICTION?
Blue Badge holders with children attending a school within a PSPO zone are exempt. Full details for who qualifies for an exemption and how it’s applied are detailed in the PSPO Exemption Criteria policy which can be accessed HERE.
For more information or if you have any queries, please contact the Project Manager, Steve Halsey, on 01708 434730 or email Steve.halsey@havering.gov.uk
Leave a Reply