Protection order set for car park used by homeless

Anti-social behaviour measures are to be brought in at three council-owned city car parks after rough sleepers sheltered in one last year.

Gloucester's Longsmith Street, Kings Walk and Eastgate Street car parks will be subject to a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO). Thousands of drivers use the car parks each week.

Breaching a PSPO is a criminal offence and can punished with a fine of £80.

The measures received strong public support in a consultation, the city council said. The city's main homeless organisations were contacted for comment.

Councillor Rebeca Trimnell said: "The strong support for these proposals shows that people want our city centre car parks to be safe, welcoming spaces for everyone."

Drivers using the multi-storey Kings Walk car park had reported that rough sleepers were treating it as a "public lavatory", with one motorist saying she felt "utterly ashamed of the city" as a result.

Under the order, authorised council officers and police will have the power to direct individuals to leave the car parks where they reasonably believe a person is occupying, loitering, congregating with others, or using the area for a purpose unrelated to parking.

If ignored, enforcement action may be taken.

The council said the PSPO would prevent anti-social behaviour and "support the positive use of public spaces".

It wants members of the public to support the order by reporting issues to the council.

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