North Tyneside Council has updated its policy on prohibited activities on council-owned, controlled and managed land to clarify restrictions relating to e-scooters, high-powered e-bikes, caravans, motorhomes and campervans.
The changes reflect emerging issues, changes in how public spaces are being used and the need to protect residents, visitors, wildlife and the environment, while supporting the Council Plan priority of Better Lives for All – providing a healthier, fairer and better quality of life where everyone can thrive.
The policy is designed to discourage activities that may be harmful to the environment, cause a nuisance, create safety concerns or be considered anti-social.
As part of the update, the council has refreshed a number of policy definitions to provide greater clarity around existing restrictions. The definition of prohibited motor vehicles has been updated to specifically include e-scooters and high-powered e-bikes, alongside quad bikes, motorbikes and mopeds. The definition of camping has also been expanded to explicitly reference caravans, motorhomes and campervans.
Alongside the policy update, the council is inviting residents, businesses and voluntary organisations to share their views on the potential introduction of a Responsible Operator Scheme. Similar schemes are already operating successfully in other parts of the country and are designed to help ensure organised activities such as fitness bootcamps and outdoor yoga sessions, taking place on public land are delivered safely, responsibly and with the appropriate permissions in place.
Residents and organisations can have their say on the council’s engagement hub https://haveyoursay.northtyneside.gov.uk.
Councillor Carl Johnson, Deputy Mayor of North Tyneside, said "North Tyneside's parks, beaches and green spaces are some of our greatest assets, and it's important that they remain safe, welcoming and accessible for everyone to enjoy.
"These updates to the policy help ensure that we can respond to emerging issues and protect our public spaces, local communities and natural environments. By clarifying existing restrictions and addressing activities that can have a negative impact on residents, wildlife and the enjoyment of others, we are helping to ensure our shared spaces are used responsibly.
"The changes support our Council Plan priority of Better Lives for All by contributing to a healthier, fairer and better quality of life where everyone can thrive.
"We're also keen to hear from residents, businesses and voluntary organisations about the potential introduction of a Responsible Operator Scheme. Similar schemes have worked well elsewhere in the country, helping organised activities to take place safely and responsibly, and I would encourage anyone affected to share their views."
The full policy is available on the council’s website at www.northtyneside.gov.uk.