NEW powers could be introduced to cut off loopholes and beef up existing enforcement powers over seafront nuisance, such as beach camping and littering.

BCP Council leaders are looking into a public space protection order (PSPO) for the seafront and open spaces.

The PSPO could encompass enforcement on dog fouling, noise pollution and going to the toilet in public.

Other issues potentially under its remit referenced in a council report included vehicle-related anti-social behaviour, lighting of fires or barbecues, people taking dogs into exclusion zones and overnight stays in tents, motorhomes or caravans without the authority’s permission.

The report, due to be discussed next week at scrutiny and cabinet meetings on the council’s seasonal response this year, said security teams, community safety accreditation scheme (CSAS) officers, civil enforcement officers and seafront staff faced “a number of challenges” when taking enforcement action.

“The bylaws relating to camping on beaches only relate to those sleeping in enclosed tents. As such, if people are awake when officers attend there is no breach of the bylaw,” the report said.

“Similarly, if the tent is open and not enclosed the bylaw cannot be enforced.”

Other issues referenced in the paper included the increase in overnight car park camping activity leading to increased anti-social environmental behaviour and additional morning cleansing putting resources under strain.

Obtaining accurate names and addresses was also a problem, as only police and CSAS officers can legally demand these details, with security and seafront officers unable to take action if people refused to give this information.

“As action is often taken at night or in the early hours of the morning to tackle sleeping and camping on the beach it is not always possible to obtain police or CSAS attendance.”

A total of 143 warnings were issued for breach of bylaws across the seafront during the summer, including 139 tent eviction notices for overnight camping on the beaches, three cyclists receiving formal warnings for cycling along the promenade and one warning being was issued for pier jumping.

On the possibility of a new PSPO for the seafront and open spaces, the report said evidence was being collated and assessed.

At present there were “limitations” in the ability to carry out “real time enforcement to successfully bring about the cessation of unlawful activity”, the report said.

It added: “A PSPO could potentially support the management of visitor behaviour and enforcement of unlawful activity and will provide a framework which would include immediate Fixed Penalty Notices and powers of arrest if necessary.”

A report is likely to go before cabinet in December setting out the available evidence. Councillors will have to decide whether to progress to public consultation.

If signed off, the results of a possible six-week consultation could come back to members for a decision on the best option moving forward in spring.