Birmingham City Council is considering a Public Space Protection Order to tackle illegal street trading and aggressive charity collecting in the city centre. The proposed measures would restrict unauthorised selling, peddling, and fundraising, aiming to reduce what the council calls an ‘environment of harassment’. A public consultation on the plans is open until April 30.
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00:00Visitors to Birmingham City Centre are used to seeing triders, street performers and charity
00:06collectors along busy shopping streets. But the council says some of these activities
00:11have created an intimidating atmosphere for shoppers, workers and visitors. It proposes
00:16a Public Spice Protection Order, or PSPO, to tackle what it calls anti-social behaviour.
00:22If approved, the order would give enforcement teams more power to stop unlicensed street
00:27trading, peddling and charity fundraising in areas like New Street. The council says
00:32complaints have increased about illegal traders selling goods from trolleys or setting up
00:37makeshift stalls. Some services like Punch the Bag or Lift the Weight challenges have
00:42also been flagged for blocking pedestrian areas and attracting large crowds. There are
00:47also concerns about aggressive charity collections. Under the new rules, anyone asking for cash
00:53or digital donations without permission from the council could be stopped. However, charities,
00:58religious groups and political campaigners would still be allowed to operate, as long
01:02as they don't cause obstructions or pressure passers-by. The Retail Business Improvement
01:08District say some street sellers are harassing shoppers, particularly those selling perfumes
01:13and aftershaves from bags. The council says some of its own officers have faced abuse
01:18when trying to clamp down on illegal traders. Supporters of the proposals say the new rules
01:23could make the city centre a more cipher and welcoming place, but there are questions about
01:28how the PSPO would be enforced and whether it could impact legitimate traders. If approved,
01:34the order would be in place for three years. A public consultation on the plans is open
01:39until April 30th, giving people the chance to have their say.