**Thanet District Council Implements New Order Against Abusive Language**
Recently, the Thanet District Council (TDC) made headlines when it passed a significant Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) aimed at curbing anti-social behavior within its jurisdiction. This order not only addresses the ubiquitous issue of foul and abusive language but also extends its enforcement to other adverse behaviors that may detract from the community’s safety, particularly in tourist-oriented locales such as Margate, Ramsgate, and Broadstairs.
A critical element of this order stipulates that individuals can be fined for using abusive language if they are instructed to refrain from doing so by a police officer or a council representative. This measure has incited a flurry of media attention, leading to discussions about its implications on free speech and public interaction.
During a recent cabinet meeting held in Margate, TDC officials took the opportunity to clarify misconceptions propagated by various media outlets. Some reports described the council’s actions as an attempt to enforce a blanket prohibition on swearing, which councillors vehemently dismissed as “a mountain of nonsense.” Labour councillor Heather Keen denounced such interpretations, labelling them “disingenuous, inaccurate, and designed to grab attention.”
Councillor Keen emphasized that the council is not seeking to eliminate swearing or infringe upon free speech. The real intent behind this order is to ensure that language does not become a source of harassment, alarm, or distress to others within public spaces. “That is the essence of the enforcement,” she asserted, pinpointing that occasional casual swearing is not targeted by this order.
The Public Spaces Protection Order is not a novel concept, as the TDC has maintained a similar order since 2018—a previous effort directed at managing anti-social behavior. The council noted that other towns, such as Canterbury and Dartford, have implemented similar orders aimed at preserving public decorum. However, the push to reword and renew their PSPO recently faced scrutiny, particularly from a campaign group known as The Free Speech Union. This group raised concerns about potential human rights violations, prompting the council to seek public consultation for the proposed changes.
Following the consultation, Councillor Keen remarked that the community and local businesses overwhelmingly supported the updates, reflecting the residents’ prioritization of safety. “Every year our residents tell us feeling safe is a top priority, and we’ve listened to that,” she said, emphasizing the importance of public sentiment in shaping the council’s decisions.
A spokesperson for TDC further elaborated on the implementation process for the new PSPO, stating that it will become effective following the completion of legal notice requirements. This includes displaying signage at strategic locations to inform the public of the new regulations. Enforcement officers will initially engage with individuals displaying anti-social behavior rather than issuing fines outright. Fines will only be considered if the inappropriate behavior persists despite initial warnings.
The discussion around the Public Spaces Protection Order highlights a broader societal conversation about the balance between maintaining public order and respecting individual freedoms. As local governments grapple with the complexities of behavior in communal spaces, the implications of such laws will continue to be a focal point of debate.
The TDC’s measures, while structured to enhance public safety, always possess the potential to challenge notions of free expression. As they prepare to enforce these updated rules, the council remains committed to engaging with the community and ensuring that the public benefits from a safe and respectful environment.
