Council seeks “mash-up” of powers to “criminalise” CYCLING - and what else?
In an absurd proposal, Dacorum Council is consulting on a plan to ban cycling on several public roads in Hemel Hempstead, as part of their hotch-potch "Public Space Protection Order" (PSPO), which allows fines at the Council's discretion, for cycling and a mixed bunch of various other things.
Former Lib Dem opposition councillor Lloyd Harris says:
"The idea that a ban can be proposed which is not specific enough to recognise differences between various parts of town, where different things happen, shows a lack of basic common sense in drawing up this order."
The Council's map shows the PSPO area would cover Waterhouse Street, Bridge Street, Combe Street and the High Street, parts of which are public highway used by cars, bikes, buses etc.
"Please join me in asking that these muddled plans be thrown out; we need to encourage cycling for health, and provide activities for kids - not make it a criminal offence to be bored! Let's have proper cycle-paths in Hemel, routes that bikes and skateboards can be used safely when visiting our town."