Dog exclusion zones on beaches remain
Rules surrounding walking dogs on beaches in Sunderland will remain as they are after councillors renewed the current order following a public consultation.
Council chiefs have approved a new public spaces protection order (PSPO) for Wear side, including the renewalof existing dog exclusion zones on beaches.
Sunderland residents were recently asked for their views on a proposed refresh of the citywide PSPO which aims to tackle issues such as nuisance and anti-social behaviour.
One part of the consultation looked at changing the rule around dog exclusion zone son parts of Sunderland’s beaches during the summer months, sparking a backlash from residents.
People were asked to decide whether they would rather have dogs kept on leads at all times while on the beach, banned between 9am-6pm or to keep the current exclusion zones in place between May 1 and September 30.
Around 92% of the 6,700 people taking part said they were in favour of keeping the dog exclusion zones in place with no changes.
Thousands also signed an online petition against the plans.
The PSPO, including the ‘status quo’ option for dog exclusion zones, was given the green light at Tuesday’s meeting of Sunderland City Council’s ruling cabinet.
Council chiefs also agreed to increase fines to the maximum allowed for offences under the PSPO, which range from street drinking to “spitting chewing gum” in public places.
Councillor Graeme Miller, leader of the council, told the cabinet meeting: “This report responds to the concerns of residents and partners in relation to a series of unwanted behaviours which have a negative impact on the lives of our residents and the city in general.
“It builds on previous PSPOs and includes additional matters of concern which have become more prominent since those last orders were made.
“I’m pleased to draw your attention to the fact that the proposed order clearly responds to the wider consultation outcomes and would ask you to note those areas where further work will be completedto define the areas of the city where these specific measures should apply.
“The PSPO affects all residentsand this is generally positive in making the city a better place to live.”
According to a report prepared for cabinet, PSPOs are intended to “limit and restrict activities which cause nuisance or lead to problems for a community.”
The new city wide PS PO will be in place for a further three years and fines for breaches will increase from £75 to £100.
However, fixed penalty notices can be discounted to £75 if paid within 10 days.
The report to cabinet added further work is needed on some issues proposed in the PSPO, such as feeding birds, to define the areas of the city where restrictions should apply.
The PSPO rules can also be enforced by the police or other ‘authorised officers’ with restrictions covering a range of activities, including:
The consumption of alcohol in a public place, causing or likely to cause anti-social behaviour.
Anti-social/ nuisance behaviour linked to unauthorised street trading and peddling. Dog fouling.
The use of psychoactive substances in a public place.
Begging/ loitering.