Crime prevention using public space protection orders (PSPOs)
What a PSPO is
A PSPO restricts what activities can happen in an area. It applies to everyone in that area and can last for a maximum of three years. We can impose a PSPO if we believe an area in the borough is being used for activity that is:
illegal
causing a problem or nuisance
negatively impacting the community.
What happens if you breach a PSPO
It is illegal to breach a PSPO. If you do, you could get a £100 fixed penalty notice or, if convicted, a fine of up to £1,000.
What PSPOs are in place in the borough
Borough-wide PSPOs
From January 2018, a PSPO went live in the borough which makes it illegal to:
keep drinking alcohol when asked to stop by an authorised council officer or a police officer
use psychoactive substances
set up unauthorised encampments of any kind, including caravans, tents or other structures
not put your dog on a lead when asked to do so by an authorised council officer or a police officer
be in control of more than four dogs at a time
not clean up after your dog.
Restricted-area PSPOs
In specific areas in the borough, there are PSPOs which make it illegal to:
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take your dog into dog-exclusion zone (see maps below)
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take your dog off its lead in a dogs-on-leads zone (see maps below).
What orders PSPOs replace
Public space protection orders replace:
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designated public place orders (to control alcohol consumption)
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dog control orders
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gating orders (right-of-way restrictions that reduce anti-social behaviour, crime and disorder).
Reporting PSPO breaches
You can report antisocial behaviour to us using our online form.