A Midland city is contemplating a ban on balaclavas as part of a wider effort to curb antisocial behaviour involving masked youths riding e-bikes and e-scooters across its streets.
Nottingham City Council is consulting on a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) that could outlaw face coverings in the city centre, aiming to reduce crime and improve public safety. Residents have expressed concerns about groups of teenagers wearing balaclavas while riding electric bikes aggressively, often causing fear among pedestrians and shopkeepers.
If enacted, the ban would make it illegal to wear balaclavas in central Nottingham, with offenders facing prosecution and fines. This proposal aligns with the council’s broader strategy to crack down on antisocial behaviours including busking and begging.
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Recent Home Office data ranked Nottingham as the seventh most dangerous place to live in the UK outside London, spurring calls for urgent action. Visitors and locals alike have voiced both their support for the ban and skepticism about enforcement.
Peter, a visitor from Suffolk, commented: “If you can’t enter a bank masked up, why should these youths be allowed to conceal their identities? It could help reduce crime, but only if effectively enforced.” His companion, Maggie, added: “Seeing groups of masked youths can feel intimidating, especially for women.”
Local business owners have reported frequent incidents of theft by masked youths, supporting a ban that would make it easier to identify offenders via CCTV. One shopkeeper expressed cautious optimism, noting that while a balaclava ban alone isn’t a complete solution, it is a step forward.
The campaign gained further momentum from Amy Hodson-Ridgway, a mother advocating a national ban after her son was severely injured in a hit-and-run involving masked moped riders. She emphasizes that balaclavas provide anonymity to criminals, helping them evade justice and instilling fear in communities.
Ethan Hodson-Ridgway’s physical injuries have healed, but the psychological impact lingers. During recent hot weather, masked youths riding around deterred children from playing outside, underscoring the long-lasting effects of such incidents.
Council leader Neghat Khan highlighted the health and safety concerns of wearing balaclavas in extreme heat and stressed that the city must be safe for all residents and visitors at all times. She acknowledged religious face coverings but questioned the justification for wearing balaclavas in high temperatures, especially given Nottingham’s crime challenges.
Khan stated, “We want Nottingham to be the safest city in the country. People should feel safe day and night, regardless of who they are. We cannot allow criminals to take over our streets.”
PSPOs, introduced under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, enable local authorities to prohibit behaviours negatively affecting community life. The consultation on this PSPO is ongoing, with the council also considering other measures such as regulating leaflet distribution and controlling Big Issue sales.
Nottingham City Council has been contacted for further comment.