The town centre has felt increasingly oppressive with the presence of individuals dressed in black from head toe, with their head and face completely hidden, using e -bikes and scooters. It is not just the riding of bikes in the pedestrianised area that threatens public safety, but the sinister appearance of these individuals that is causing alarm and distress to those wanting to go about life in a transparent way. CCTV is present in the town centre to promote public safety. This is largely ineffective if individuals can keep their identify completely hidden from view. This means that those who break the provision of the PSBO by riding in the pedestrianised zone cannot be identified for prosecution. It also allows individuals who undertake illegal activities to remain hidden. Those using bikes and scooters do not need to protect themselves from the cold when dismounted, which they are required to do by the existing town centre PSBO. Their faces need no more protection than other pedestrians walking in the town centre.
We value our open, transparent, trust based society and masked
individuals riding or walking with bikes through the town centre
undermine this and make the town centre feel unsafe and
unwelcoming, which is detrimental to the health of the town centre
and the wellbeing of citizens.
This ePetition runs from 02/09/2026 to 28/10/2026.
3 people have signed this ePetition.