Crackdown on street preachers and buskers planned

Birmingham City Council says it plans to tackle "excessive noise levels" in the city centre

A crackdown on busking and street preaching in Birmingham city centre could soon be expanded.

The city council has proposed to introduce a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in areas currently not covered by one to combat "excessive noise levels".

It would ban musical instruments and amplification equipment, along with any noise associated with busking, street entertaining, street preaching and public speaking.

The new order would cover Victoria Square, New Street, High Street, Temple Street, Cannon Street, Needless Alley and part of Waterloo Street.

Two PSPOs are already in force in residential parts of the city centre, which are due to expire in August, but the council acknowledged there had been an increasing number of complaints in surrounding areas.

The following groups would be exempt from the rules in the proposed PSPO:

• Anyone who holds street trading consent or written authorisation from the council

• Emergency services

• Warning or alarm sounds associated with vehicles and machinery

• Organised public processions

• Lawful protests and demonstrations

The PSPO would cover a number of streets in the city centre

Issues highlighted by the council in a consultation document included businesses having difficulties communicating with customers either in store or over the phone.

"The majority of the recorded incidents were in the High Street and New Street area of the city centre where there is a significant footfall," the document said.

"Excessive noise levels in this area are particularly problematic, as the streets are relatively narrow with high-sided buildings on either side leading to sound being echoed."

It also said attempts to resolve the issue informally by engaging with people involved and with a voluntary code of conduct had been unsuccessful.

A public consultation on the proposed PSPO, which would be in force for three years if approved, is scheduled to run until 25 May.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.