Taxi drivers accused of littering in Spelthorne to be held accountable by order.
A new Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) has been put in place by Spelthorne Council.
The measures aim to prevent anti-social behaviour reportedly committed by some taxi drivers, which has been blighting the area close to Heathrow airport.
The PSPO will crackdown on reported littering, property damage, and defecation and urination on public land in Stanwell and Stanwell Moor.
Tents, barbecues and taxi parking will also be banned.
Sanctions for offenders will include warnings, fixed penalty notices (FPNs) of up to £1,000, and potential prosecution.
Details of the new order were agreed at a Spelthorne committee meeting held on the 21st of March.
Heathrow Airport has also backed the council’s proposed measures for a zone in Stanwell Moor and the surrounding areas where taxi drivers will not be allowed to park.
Vehicles will now only be allowed to pick up or drop off a fare within the prohibited area, if the company operating the vehicle is based in the exclusion area.
A spokesperson for Heathrow Airport said:
“Littering, urination and defecation are detrimental acts of harm to the local community, but they are of considerable harm to the environment and the delicate ecosystem around Stanwell Moor.”
Kathleen Croft, the vice chair of Stanwell Moor Residents Forum, says the enforcement measures are much needed:
“The drivers come and clean out their taxis here, then just chuck the stuff into the street.”
“These people have to be stopped, and it's up to us to report them.”
“Then the council will definitely do something about it, so beware!”
Spelthorne council say that specialist cleaning companies have had to be deployed in Stanwell Moor on several occasions, costing the £1,000 per clean.
As a result of the order, enforcement officers from the council and Surrey Police will be given further powers to deal with the issues.
The PSPO is pledged to last for at least three years.
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