Birmingham city centre plans to tackle 'environment of harassment'

Birmingham City Council says there have been complaints about illegal street trading, peddling, charity collectors and more

Birmingham City Council is considering cracking down on illegal street trading, peddling, charity collectors and more amid concerns over an 'environment of harassment' in the city centre.

The authority says a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO), which covers New Street and other certain roads, could be introduced to combat anti-social behaviour.

It says these new prohibitions are being proposed following complaints about behaviours such as illegal street trading, peddling, charity cash or digital collections and obstruction of the public highway.

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The council itself has also experienced hostilities, with one female officer being threatened with “would you like your face punched in" by an acquaintance of an illegal street trader/pedlar.

If the PSPO comes into effect, a person would be banned from distributing any publicity materials, free literature or samples for their own commercial gain, or for that of another person or organisation, in the relevant areas.

That is, unless they have appropriate prior permission of the council.

"Registered charities, religious organisations and distributors of leaflets for political purposes are exempt from this prohibition unless they carry out these activities in a manner that obstructs, or impedes the passage of any other person on, the highway," the PSPO document adds.

It goes on to say that people would be prohibited "from soliciting for the completion of commercial or charity subscriptions without appropriate consent/licence [...] issued by the council."

Similarly, soliciting for cash or digital donation for commercial or charity gain would be banned - again, unless the person has the appropriate consent or licence.

The PSPO also targets peddling, street trading and obstruction of the public highway.

Explaining why these new prohibitions are being considered, the council said illegal street trading and peddling takes many forms.

These include individuals that approach pedestrians with bags containing merchandise to those that have a trolley, create a stall or open up tables to sell goods.

"Services are also being sold and this includes bringing articles into the pedestrian areas such as 'punch the bag' or 'lift the weight machines', thus causing crowds and queues," a consultation document said.

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It continued: "Visitors to the city centre are frequently approached by people either selling goods or services, handing out free literature etc. or collecting in some way for charity or commercial reasons, either through subscription and/or cash.

"The outcome is an environment where visitors may be approached multiple time by 'sellers' or have to avoid obstructions multiple times on the busiest shopping streets in Birmingham.

"This creates an environment of harassment and lack of control, thus providing opportunity for further anti-social behaviour and other criminality."

The council went on to say that approaches to illegal sellers have previously resulted in abuse and refusal to stop.

"One female [council] officer, when seeking to identify the name of an illegal street trader/pedlar, was threatened with 'would you like your face punched in' by an acquaintance of the illegal street trader/pedlar and had to seek police support," it said.

"The Retail Business Improvement District has reported numerous occasions when pedlars selling perfumes/aftershave from bags are harassing consumers."

"These activities undermine legitimate businesses and consumers," it added.

"Consumers are coerced or intimidated into buying goods, creating a hostile atmosphere when they are operating."

The city council is proposing that the order be in force for three years.

Its public consultation on the plans will be live until April 30 and can be found here.