Motorists in parts of Surrey could soon face fixed penalties of up to £100 for “excessive horn honking” under proposed Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) rules, as a district council seeks to curb anti-social behaviour linked to vehicle use. The measures, put forward by Tandridge District Council, would extend existing powers introduced under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 and follow what the council describes as “repeated reports” of vehicles causing disruption, including noise and pavement obstruction. The proposals are subject to consultation, with residents invited to comment over a three-month period. If approved, breaches could attract a £100 fine, reduced to £60 if paid promptly, with more serious cases potentially escalating through the courts. This is reported by the editorial team of The WP Times, citing GB news.
What the proposed PSPO rules would change for motorists
The core of the proposal is a district-wide PSPO aimed at limiting anti-social use of motor vehicles and improving conditions in affected streets. According to council documents, the order would prohibit behaviour deemed persistent and harmful, including causing excessive noise, obstructing pavements, or creating risk to pedestrians and other road users.
While horn use is already regulated nationally—drivers are expected to sound horns only to warn of danger—the proposed order would allow local enforcement officers to issue penalties where honking is judged excessive and disruptive. The council has indicated that definitions would be clarified before any order comes into force.
Key points set out by the authority include:
- fixed penalties of £100 for breaches, with a discounted £60 for early payment;
- potential escalation to prosecution before a magistrates’ court in serious or repeated cases;
- application across defined streets and town-centre areas where complaints have been recorded.
The council has stressed that it cannot pre-empt the decision of its committee and that further consultation would shape the detailed wording, including what constitutes “excessive” horn use.
Penalties and enforcement framework
The PSPO mechanism allows councils to set local restrictions backed by civil penalties. The College of Policing notes that where breaches are prosecuted, courts may impose fines of up to £1,000. In practice, councils typically rely on fixed penalties for first-time or lower-level breaches.
| Issue addressed | Proposed response | Maximum penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Excessive horn honking | Fixed penalty notice | £100 (£60 early) |
| Pavement obstruction by vehicles | Fixed penalty notice | £100 |
| Anti-social vehicle use causing risk | Prosecution possible | Up to £1,000 |
Why the council says action is needed
The authority reports “repeated reports” of vehicles parking on pavements and creating encouragement for unsafe manoeuvres, prompting the PSPO application. Officials say the behaviour affects pedestrian safety, particularly for people using pavements with prams, wheelchairs or mobility aids.
A spokesperson said concerns had also been raised about e-scooters, cars and lorries mounting pavements in busy areas, creating what residents describe as a persistent problem. The initial consultation covered parts of Croydon Road and Godstone Road, all of Station Avenue, and the service road serving the Waitrose and Lidl car parks.
The council characterises the conduct as “persistent and harmful” and says the order would provide clarity and consistency in enforcement. Any measures introduced, it adds, would be “clearly defined, proportionate and subject to further consideration.”
Areas currently in scope
- Croydon Road (selected sections)
- Godstone Road (selected sections)
- Station Avenue (entire length)
- Service road serving Waitrose and Lidl car parks
Reaction from local businesses and residents
The proposals have drawn mixed reactions locally. One business owner told The Telegraph that the horn-related element was “unnecessary,” adding: “We do get a lot of honking because we are next to a roundabout. The honking fines are unnecessary because honking is for safety.” The owner said they rarely noticed the sound and argued that horn use was primarily a warning.
Other business owners in Caterham Valley have supported the move, saying tighter rules would deter misuse of roads and pavements and improve the environment for shoppers and pedestrians. The council has acknowledged the differing views and says the consultation is intended to capture local experience before any decision is taken.
How PSPOs work and where they have been used before
Public Space Protection Orders were introduced in 2014 to give councils flexible tools to address anti-social behaviour in defined areas. They can restrict specific activities where evidence shows a detrimental impact on quality of life.
The approach has been used in other parts of England, including Bradford, to address anti-social behaviour involving vehicles. Orders typically set out prohibited behaviours, enforcement methods and penalty levels, with a defined duration and review process.
Under the legislation:
- councils must consult before introducing or extending a PSPO;
- orders must be proportionate and targeted to specific problems;
- signage is required to inform the public of restrictions.
What happens next in the consultation process
If councillors recommend proceeding, a further three-month period would be used to define the detailed terms of the PSPO. This would include clarifying thresholds—such as what counts as “excessive horn honking”—and confirming enforcement arrangements.
Residents and businesses would be invited to submit views during the consultation window. The council says it will publish responses and consider amendments before any order is made.
Consultation timeline (indicative):
- Initial six-week consultation on scope and evidence
- Committee consideration and recommendation
- Three-month consultation on detailed terms
- Final decision and implementation, if approved
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