Last night, having travelled over 300 miles from my home in Yorkshire, I carried out my first direct action in Hastings against the Hastings Borough Council – Night In Vehicles PSPO by spending the “night” in my vehicle at Cinque Ports Way. I can confirm that a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) was not issued and no approach was made to me by Hastings Borough Council.

I had a peaceful nights sleep and awoke to silence, the sight of a glorious moon with a clear dark sky full of stars. The only “anti-social behaviour” I witnessed was by HBC. (I will publish this in due course)

If a FPN had been issued I would have made a successful appeal against it as:

1. The PSPO states, “All persons are prohibited from spending the night in their vehicles when parked at Cinque Parks Way”  but as night is not defined, the PSPO is unenforceable.
2. HBC is in breach of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 – 65 – 1  which states “A public spaces protection order may not restrict the public right of way over a highway.” Consequently, to issue a FPN would be a breach of the Fraud Act 2006
3. There is no signage.

Further Direct Action

I have contacted HDC making them aware of my actions. If HDC do not revoke the PSPO within a month, I will organise a second direct action. This would be a “night” meeting with owners of motorhomes and campervans invited to join me in Cinque Parks Way.

Assistance Received And Invited

I would like to thank those who have provided local knowledge or made a donation to assist with this direct action.

Please do give consideration to making a donation to assist with my costs as without such help future direct action will be restricted.

(click to donate)

In essence, the more assistance I receive the more direct action I will be in a position to take.