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.