Mason Moore | Hinckley Reporter | 31 March 2022

A NEW Public Space Protection Order has been introduced by Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council (NBBC) to control highway car sales across the borough.

Vehicles which are being advertised for sale in ‘prominent’ positions on major highways in and around Nuneaton and Bedworth have been a long-term issue, according to a Borough Council spokesperson.

In fact, the Council, their members directly, and Warwickshire County Council’s Highways Team, have all had recieved ongoing complaints related to these types of sales.

Vehicles being advertised for sale in prominent positions on major highways across the borough had been a long-term issue.

The advertisements had proved ‘detrimental’ to the street scene, and further posed a distraction to motorists.

The activity has also been described as ‘unfair’ to legitimate car sales businesses in the area.

As a result, a statutory public consultation and informal consultation with stakeholders was held – and in both these consultations, support was shown in favour of the Order.

It is hoped that the introduction of the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) will bring an improvement to the street scene where the activity used to be commonplace and occured often.

In a statement issued to the Free Press, a Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council spokesperson explained the specific details of the Order.

They explained: “The Order legally prohibits the exposure for sale of any vehicle on A or B category roads in the borough, some service roads and junctions with C and D category roads are also included.

“The Order only applies to vehicle sales for commercial purposes and not to private domestic sales in the vicinity of a person’s home.

They concluded: “It is a criminal offence not to comply with the order, with a maximum fine on conviction of £1000. A £100 fixed penalty notice may also be issued to offenders.”

Philip Richardson, Director for Planning & Regulation at the Borough Council, said: “We have passed this new PSPO to tackle nuisance activity that has blighted many roads across Nuneaton and Bedworth.

“The best way to purchase a second-hand car is either through a genuine private sale or a second-hand car garage.”

A copy of the new order, including the map of the roads that it covers, can be viewed here.