People who use vehicles in an anti-social or intimidating way can now be fined or even prosecuted, as a new legal tool has officially come into force across Calderdale.
Calderdale Council has introduced a new Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) banning vehicle-based anti-social behaviour throughout the borough, following a public consultation and Cabinet approval in June 2025.
New PSPO signs are up on roadsides in Calderdale, warning that no anti-social vehicle use is allowed. Breaching the requirements of this order could lead to a fine of up to £1000, and in some cases, being taken to court.
The Council is stepping up its work to tackle vehicle-based anti-social behaviour because local people have said it’s a big concern impacting their quality of life.
Speeding, racing and doing stunts in vehicles puts people’s safety on the roads and pavements, and in open spaces, at risk.
Banning these dangerous behaviours through the PSPO supports West Yorkshire’s Vision Zero(external link) – a road safety aim to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries.
The PSPO also helps to protect women and girls by clamping down on verbal harassment and unacceptable behaviour from vehicles.
It addresses other behaviours / activities too, which could alarm people and cause distress, including:
- Excessive noise from vehicles.
- Damage to private property.
- Congregating or loitering in a way that causes or is likely to cause alarm, harassment or distress, or a detrimental impact on quality of life.
- Causing obstruction of a public highway or publicly accessible place.
The PSPO is backed by the Calderdale Community Safety Partnership(external link), and is the latest tool in a whole range being used by the Council’s Community Protection Team to help keep Calderdale safe and pleasant.
Cllr Tim Swift, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, said:
“No death, injury, threat or abusive and intimidating behaviour is acceptable on our roads.
“We have listened to what local people are telling us about how vehicle-based anti-social behaviour is making them feel, and enough is enough.
“We are proud to be taking bold action through our new PSPO, to continue our commitment to safe communities and thriving towns and places where people want to live, work, visit and do business.”
The PSPO applies across the whole of Calderdale on any land that the public can access. It allows the Council and the Police to issue fines to people who breach the order due to their behaviour and conduct, or even prosecute the worst offenders.
The Council is urging local people to be their ‘eyes and ears’, and to report any vehicle-based behaviour that has a negative impact on quality of life.
People reporting are asked to provide as many details as possible, such as a description of the car and the date / time and location of the incident. Dash cam footage can also be submitted as evidence.
Visit https://new.calderdale.gov.uk/communities/crime-prevention/pspo-anti-social-use-vehicles(external link) for more information and to report online.
Everyone has an important part to play in making West Yorkshire’s roads safer. By signing West Yorkshire’s Vision Zero pledge, you can make a commitment to what you will do to increase safety on the region’s roads. This could be something simple like driving at safe speeds and giving other road users space. Pledge your support at www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/policing-and-crime/vision-zero/vision-zero-pledge(external link)