Nottingham City Council is considering a ban on balaclavas in the city centre as part of a crackdown on masked youths terrorising the streets on e-bikes and e-scooters. The proposal, which forms part of a new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), aims to tackle antisocial behaviour, busking, and begging. Locals have welcomed the move, saying the city centre is blighted by teenagers wearing balaclavas while riding electric vehicles.
Public Support for the Ban
A local shopkeeper, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed strong support for the ban. "Masked youths steal from my shops all the time. A ban on face coverings would be a step in the right direction. They hide their identities and gain confidence from the anonymity," he said. Another resident, Amy Hodson-Ridgway, whose eight-year-old son Ethan was seriously injured in a hit-and-run by two masked youths on a moped, has launched a petition calling for a national balaclava ban. The petition has garnered around 60,000 signatures.
Council's Stance
Council leader Councillor Neghat Khan emphasised the need for safety. "It's a serious concern. People on e-bikes wearing balaclavas in 32-degree heat is not acceptable. We want residents to feel confident and safe in their city," she said. The PSPO is currently undergoing consultation, with additional proposals including restrictions on leaflet distribution and Big Issue sales in unapproved areas.
Nottingham was recently ranked the seventh most dangerous place to live in the UK outside London, according to Home Office crime data. The balaclava ban is seen as a key measure to address this issue. If implemented, anyone caught wearing a balaclava in the city centre could face prosecution and fines.
