Order extended to keep ‘aggressive ticket-touting’ at bay in Ilfracombe Harbour

An order which has been successful in preventing aggressive touting for boat trip tickets at Ilfracombe Harbour is to be extended for another three years.

North Devon Council first implemented a public space protection order (PSPO), used to curb anti-social and nuisance behaviour, six years ago after the harbour master’s discouragement of ‘excessively competitive’ ticket-touting from boat operators didn’t work. It was renewed in 2023.

A report to the council’s strategy and resources committee said previously operators had been making multiple approaches to members of the public along Quay Road as they approached the harbour, with leaflets being thrust upon them. 

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It said: “The competition in the summer months is intense, with ticket sellers becoming more assertive and this has led to confrontation between operators in full public view.

“Although visitors subjected to such activities have not made written complaints, it is nonetheless clear that the practices have attracted public disapproval and have had a negative effect on the reputation of the harbour.”

The behaviour was considered ‘unreasonable and unnecessary’ because the operators had kiosks from which they were able to operate.

The PSPO which includes the harbour’s adjacent streets prohibits anyone engaging in the soliciting of services by word of mouth or through the distribution by hand of any leaflet, pamphlet or circular.

Anyone who fails to comply is committing a criminal offence and can be issued with an on-the-spot fixed penalty fine of up to £100.

Councillors were told that instances of ticket-touting had been very limited in the last 12 months and there had been no need to implement the sanctions under the order.

The PSPO had appeared to have had a very positive effect in and around the harbour and been embraced by businesses and the general public. 

“Whilst it might be argued that there is little new evidence of the need for a continuing PSPO, the counter and preferred argument is that it is the PSPO which has prevented any significant recurrence of the problem,” said officers.

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A public consultation produced 36 responses with 94% agreeing with the extension of the order until 2029.

Ilfracombe councillor June Williams, a former resident of the harbour area, said she appreciated the difficulty the council had a few years ago and welcomed the extension of the PSPO.

She added: “This is of value because in the last three years it has worked quite well, I’m not aware of any major incidents and the traders are happy with it.”

Members agreed the extension.