Soho and Mayfair to Enforce Penalties on Loud Engine Revving Under New Proposals
Residents and visitors to Soho and Mayfair may soon experience quieter nights as Westminster City Council considers expanding its Public Space Protection Order (PSPO). This measure aims to curb loud engine revving, racing, and other forms of antisocial behavior by imposing fixed penalty notices (FPNs).
The council, along with the Metropolitan Police, has identified vehicle-related disturbances, particularly on iconic streets like New Bond Street, as a growing concern. According to a council report, this antisocial behavior is not only a nuisance to residents and businesses but has also led to costly maintenance and resource strain due to skid marks and disrupted security systems.
What is the Public Space Protection Order?
The PSPO, first introduced in 2021 and renewed in 2024, provides local authorities and police with enforcement rights between 12 pm and 6 am. Penalties can be issued for actions such as performing stunts, playing loud music, and threatening behavior. Over 350 FPNs have been handed out since 2022, with a significant number addressing illegal car meets in the West End.
Proposed Expansion to Combat Vehicle Antisocial Behavior
A public consultation has highlighted Soho and Mayfair as hotspots for loud and disruptive activity, particularly involving motorbikes and high-performance vehicles. Local organizations like the New West End Company (NWEC) have provided alarming data, reporting 33 car meets on New Bond Street between April 2023 and June 2025. The Metropolitan Police were called to 25 of these incidents, deploying vehicles 14 times.
Tim Lord, Chair of the Soho Society, expressed strong support for the proposal, emphasizing the need for effective enforcement to ensure its success. “We have had a spate of motorbike racing late at night in Soho which is quite incomprehensibly loud and frightening for visitors, residents, and businesses,” he said.
Efforts to Enforce the Proposed Measures
The council is coordinating closely with the Metropolitan Police to address these issues. Their combined efforts include deploying 80 new local police officers and a state-of-the-art CCTV network to monitor high-risk areas. Recent initiatives have also resulted in the seizure of dozens of uninsured vehicles involved in illegal activity.
In addition to combating vehicle-related issues, the PSPO aims to continue fostering a safer and more enjoyable atmosphere for residents and visitors alike. The council has proposed renewing the PSPO until August 2028 to maintain these efforts.
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Conservative West End Councillor Tim Barnes has shown strong support for the enforcement plans. In a recent statement, he noted: “Illegal and dangerous driving is a blight on our streets, putting lives at risk and disrupting people going about their days and evenings in our city.”
The ongoing efforts to create quieter neighborhoods highlight the city’s commitment to a more harmonious environment for its communities. By addressing loud engine noise and vehicle-related disturbances, London takes a step closer to enhancing the quality of life for all its residents and visitors.
