Thanet Council Fines Loud Abusive Language

Thanet District Council has introduced a controversial public space protection order (PSPO) that imposes £100 fines for using loud and abusive language in public areas across Birchington, Margate, Ramsgate, and Broadstairs. The order has sparked divided opinions among locals, with some arguing it infringes on freedom of speech and others supporting the measure to curb antisocial behavior. The Free Speech Union has threatened legal action, labeling the rule as 'draconian' and likely unlawful. While some residents, like pensioner Lynn Nichols, back the initiative due to frequent antisocial incidents, others, including 16-year-old Harry Stevens, believe the fines are overly harsh if the language is not intended to be abusive. The council plans to review the enforcement of the PSPO after a year.