BANNED

NOISE & TRADE CRACKDOWNS NOW IN PLACE AMID CITY CENTRE 'CHAOS' FEARS

- ALEXANDER BROCK Local Democracy Reporter

NEW crackdowns have come into force in Birmingham city centre amid concerns over an environment of 'chaos.

Two orders were introduced this month in a move focusing on behaviour in certain streets, from busking to illegal street trading and peddling.

Both are set to be in place until August 2028.

One is designed to tackle noise from activities like busking and street preaching.

It bans the use of amplification equipment, as well as musical instruments, in certain areas in the heart of the city. The other addresses illegal street trading, peddling, charity collectors and more.

Birmingham City Council said there were fears such activities contributed to an “environment of harassment and lack of control” in the city centre.

One PSPO bans the use of amplification equipment, musical instruments or other items used as musical instruments within the relevant areas.

It covers noise associated with busking, street entertaining, street preaching and public speaking affecting residents and businesses within the restricted area.

The other order prohibits:

■Street trading and obstruction of the public highway - that is, unless the relevant person has appropriate consent or lawful authority issued by the council.

■Peddling goods or services.