Time is running out to respond to Bedford Borough Council’s consultation on the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in the town centre, with Bedfordians being urged to speak up before the deadline at midnight on Sunday, 27 April.
The PSPO, which gives enforcement officers the power to fine individuals for certain behaviours such as street drinking, aggressive begging, or cycling in pedestrianised zones, has long been a topic of debate, with the cycling element sparking the most consistent backlash.
While many agree that a PSPO is useful to tackle anti-social behaviour, the cycling restrictions have been criticised for penalising law-abiding riders while doing little to prevent those cycling dangerously.
When the PSPO was previously renewed in 2022, despite the majority objecting to the cycling ban, the council chose to continue with it.
Read: Controversial cycle ban renewed in Bedford town centre
Public frustration deepened when former Deputy Mayor Charles Royden (Liberal Democrats) was accused of ignoring the consultation feedback altogether.
Results ignored
He was said to advise ignoring the results of the consultations, despite 54% of the 574 who responded answering ‘oppose’ or ‘strongly oppose’ to the town centre cycling ban.
Read: Fury as Deputy Mayor ignores consultation results on town centre cycle ban
Then, in October 2024, it was acknowledged that signage and communication around the ban were lacking, calling for clearer messaging to help people understand where cycling is and isn’t allowed.
Read: Councillor calls for more signage as debate rages on town centre cycling ban
Members of the public have also written to the Bedford Independent, sharing how the ban has affected them. Some have described feeling “like a criminal” simply for dismounting when asked, while more reckless riders face no consequences.
- Read: Letter: Cycle ban has left me feeling like a criminal
- Read: Letter: Cycle ban is helping destroy the town centre and local environment
- Read: Letter: Cycling ban affects economic vitality of the town
No evidence cycle bans make an area safer
Local traffic and safety specialist Kate Carpenter has previously told the Bedford Independent that cycle bans are not the solution to some of the town centre’s issues.
“They [cycle bans] are discriminatory,” she said.
“By excluding cyclists, inclusive cycling is prevented, so people with disabilities who use alternative types of cycle (trikes, handcycles, etc) are excluded from the town centre.
“They may be unable to walk from car parking or bus stops, and/or have no physical access to them or unable to afford those modes.”
Kate added that evidence from eminent experts, the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL), proves that cycling in town centres does not increase pedestrian risk; instead, it is reckless and disrespectful riders who are so fast-moving that no enforcers can catch them.
New PSPO
Bedford Borough Council is asking for feedback on plans to consolidate existing PSPOS and introduce measures to tackle anti-social behaviour such as public drinking, aggressive begging, spitting, littering, and the misuse of stairwells or rooftops.
It would also continue restrictions on cycling in pedestrianised areas between 9am and 6pm, and prohibit skateboards and e-scooters at any time.
This would then be in place for three years, if agreed.
The Council is also seeking feedback on whether to extend the existing PSPO for dog control, with possible new locations and rules around fouling, leads, and dog exclusion zones.
Cllr Andrea Spice (Conservative, Wixams and Wistread), Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Planning and Prosperity, said: “The existing Public Spaces Protection Orders have been an important tool for the Council and its partners in dealing with specific and persistent anti-social behaviour.
“Now we want people’s input in shaping the future of public spaces in our town centre, which will play a crucial role in our decision-making.”
You can take part in the consultation by visiting bedford.gov.uk/PSPO. The consultation closes at midnight on Sunday, 27 April.
