Central Bedfordshire residents invited to have their say on proposed crackdown on nuisance vehicles
Central Bedfordshire Council is asking residents, businesses and visitors to take part in a public consultation on proposed new powers to tackle vehicle-related anti-social behaviour across the area.
The Council is consulting on the introduction of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) aimed at addressing harmful vehicle-related behaviours such as car meets, street racing, excessive engine noise, obstruction of highways and intimidating behaviour. These issues have been persistent and are having a significant impact on residents’ quality of life, particularly in hotspot areas including Houghton Regis and Dunstable.
Bedfordshire Police data shows that Central Bedfordshire accounts for nearly half of all vehicle-related anti-social behaviour incidents in the county, with reports continuing to rise year-on-year.
If introduced, the PSPO would apply across the whole of Central Bedfordshire and give Bedfordshire Police additional powers to take enforcement action, including issuing £100 Fixed Penalty Notices or pursuing court action for non-compliance. Importantly, enforcement could also take place at static car meets and where incidents are captured via CCTV. The proposed PSPO would run for three years, with a formal review required before any extension.
Cllr Liz Childs – Executive Member for Communities at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: “Too many of our residents are having their daily lives disrupted by persistent nuisance vehicle behaviour, particularly late at night and at weekends. This proposed PSPO is about giving the police the right tools to deal with these issues more effectively, protect public safety and improve the wellbeing of our communities.
“This is not about targeting responsible drivers, but about addressing behaviour that causes real harm and distress. I would like to encourage residents to take part in the consultation and share their views before any final decisions are made.”
Enforcement of the PSPO would be led by Bedfordshire Police under a formal Memorandum of Understanding with the Council, with additional support through CCTV where appropriate.
The consultation is open from 16 January until 13 March 2026. Residents can take part online at www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/consultations. If approved, enforcement would begin in October 2026.
Paper copies of the consultation document and questionnaire are also available by emailing consultations@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk or calling 0300 300 8000.
- Book These Sell Out Events Now For Summer Holiday Fun
Bedfordshire schools will break up for the Summer holidays on Friday 17th July and if you want to make the best… Read more: Book These Sell Out Events Now For Summer Holiday Fun - Supporting Young People’s Emotional Wellbeing, One Step at a Time
Many parents will recognise the challenge. A child seems worried, anxious or withdrawn, but it’s difficult to know whether it’s simply… Read more: Supporting Young People’s Emotional Wellbeing, One Step at a Time - Rushmere’s Giant Has a New Chair!
Local environmental charity the Greensand Trust is delighted to announce the arrival of a new Giant’s Chair at Rushmere Country Park.… Read more: Rushmere’s Giant Has a New Chair! - Bee Local June Edition Out Now
If you are not already a reader of Bee Local print magazine or perhaps you are not in our distribution area… Read more: Bee Local June Edition Out Now - What’s On in June in the Leighton Buzzard area
This page forms part of the What’s On Guide for Leighton Buzzard Cinema and Theatre Thursday 11thPower StationPart of The Big… Read more: What’s On in June in the Leighton Buzzard area - The Power of Community
This is the story of how one small community’s spirit and resiliance – with a touch of British eccentricity transformed their… Read more: The Power of Community - Olympic and Paralympic sporting stars to officially open new £33.9m Leighton Leisure and Community Centre
Central Bedfordshire Council is inviting residents to celebrate the official opening of the brand-new Leighton Leisure and Community Centre with a… Read more: Olympic and Paralympic sporting stars to officially open new £33.9m Leighton Leisure and Community Centre
