The municipality wants to fight against “groups of individuals, often in a state of alcoholic impregnation”, who “appropriate spaces and public facilities such as sidewalks and benches” and block pedestrian traffic in the city.
The city of Angoulême (Charente) issued an annual municipal decree on Tuesday July 11 to prohibit anyone from remaining seated, lying down or standing static in the streets of the town, found franceinfo, which consulted the decree. “regulating the abusive occupation of public spaces”.
“Any abusive and prolonged occupation of the streets and other public spaces is prohibited” specifies the decree, i.e. by individuals “grouped together, immobile or not very mobile, not being in transit and generating nuisances (noise, damage, threats, etc.) which disturb the tranquility of passers-by or residents”. is also prohibited “the seated or lying position when it constitutes an obstacle to the movement of pedestrians and access to buildings bordering public roads as well as the standing position when it clearly hinders the movement of people, the convenience of passage, safety in public roads and spaces”.
Facts found “daily” by the municipal police
Signed, by delegation, by the hand of the Deputy for Prevention and Security, Jean-Philippe Pousset, the municipal decree refers to “the usual presence in certain streets, squares, public places and private roads open to public traffic of groups of individuals, immobile or not very mobile, accompanied or not by animals, who exhibit disruptive, provocative or obstructive behavior”. The municipality evokes groups “often in a state of alcoholic impregnation” Who “appropriate public spaces and facilities such as sidewalks and benches” and argues the “freedom of movement for pedestrians”.
She claims to have received “numerous complaints from residents and shopkeepers to the town hall and the municipal police, concerning the nuisance caused by these groups of individuals (noise, offensive noise, dirt, fights, etc.)”facts observed “daily” by the municipal police and who “significantly disturb the public peace”.
A decree concerning public spaces and the surroundings of certain private buildings
This decree is provisional, it is valid for one year. But the municipality considers that the nuisances take place “throughout the year”. The decree is therefore applicable all week, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. from November to March and from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. during the period from April to October. Are concerned “the surroundings of buildings and businesses in operation, as well as public spaces such as squares, gardens, courtyards, and all places accessible to public traffic” located within the perimeter of the city centre, the train station, the town hall or even the Saint-Martial church.
Anyone who does not comply with this decree is liable to a 2nd class fine, i.e. a fine of 35 euros, which can go up to 150 euros in the event of a repeat offence.