Plans to ban car cruising across Newcastle-under-Lyme are set to go ahead – despite objections from motorcyclists.

Newcastle Borough Council has been consulting on proposals for a borough-wide public spaces protection order (PSPO) barring anti-social behaviour by 'boy racers', following residents' complaints about car cruising.

A total of 160 people responded to the borough council's consultation, and while most Newcastle residents were in favour of the PSPO, motorcycle enthusiasts from around the country submitted objections after biking websites reported on the plans. The motorcyclists feared that the PSPO could result in events such as charity ride outs being banned in Newcastle.

But the PSPO is now set to be approved by councillors, and both the borough council and Staffordshire Police have given assurances that the motorcyclists' fears are unfounded.

The draft PSPO defines car cruising as being when the drivers of two or more vehicles, including motorcycles, gather on a highway or publicly accessible place and perform certain activities. These activities include driving at speed or race, performing stunts, repeatedly sound horns, playing music excessively loud, or driving in convoy.

Anyone who breaches the PSPO could get a £100 fixed penalty notice, or a court fine of up to £1,000.

Dozens of motorcyclists left negative responses to the consultation (LDRS).

The council's 12-week consultation on the PSPO was publicised in the national media along with motorcycle website, such as Motorcycle News, in this country and in the USA. This resulted in dozens of motorcyclists from as far afield as London, Bournemouth and York leaving negative responses.

One person wrote: "This is not only Orwellian but completely ridiculous given laws already exist to tackle the problem you outline. I for one will absolutely not comply if two friends and I want to ride our motorcycles or drive our cars to any destination including one in the district."

Another said: "I object to well behaved motorcyclists being criminalised in this way, I understand the need to manage poorly behaved motorists but simply banning two or more vehicles travelling together is extreme and unnecessary."

But Staffordshire Police, which will enforce the order, says it will not be targeting 'those that are using vehicles for charity and legitimate purposes'.

Around half the responses to the consultation came from Newcastle residents, with 66 per cent of those being in favour of the PSPO, and 30 per cent opposed. Taking into consideration all responses, the split was 49 per cent for and 48 per cent against.

One of those in favour of the PSPO said: "I am sick and tired of car cruising on the A34, it really is affecting the way we are able to live within our house. I have complained to the police on many occasions, finally this will see the end if the police actually enforce it."

Members of the licensing and public protection committee will consider whether to approve the PSPO when they meet on Tuesday The borough council has considered removing references to motorcyclists in the order, but the report to the committee explains that bikers have been present at some car cruising events. Officers are therefore recommending that the PSPO includes motorcycles.

Councillor Gill Heesom, cabinet member for community safety and well-being, insisted that people using their vehicles for legitimate purposes have nothing to fear from the order.

She said: "Car cruising is having a detrimental impact in the borough so having an appropriate PSPO in place would give Staffordshire Police the ability to take swift action, when needed, to deter and prevent a associated unwanted behaviour. The outcome of our consultation shows that the majority of local people are in favour of it.

"I want to be very clear that there is no intention to target events such as charity rides, or drivers and bikers going about their lawful business or leisure pursuits; this is about wanting to challenge those who regularly use their vehicles in an anti-social manner and persistently cause distress."

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