A Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) is a power under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 and came into force in October 2014.

PSPO’s are intended to deal with a particular nuisance or problem in a particular geographical area that is detrimental to the local communities quality of life, by imposing conditions on the use of that area which apply to everyone. They are designed to ensure the law-abiding majority can use and enjoy public spaces, safe from anti-social behaviour.

A PSPO can be made by us if we are satisfied on reasonable grounds that the activities carried out or likely to be carried out, in a public place:

• Have had, or is likely to have a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those in the locality.
• Is, or likely to be of a persistent or continuing in nature.
• Is, or is likely to be unreasonable.
• Justifies the restrictions imposed.

We can make a PSPO on any public space within our own area. The definition of public space is wide and includes any place to which the public or any section of the public has access. A PSPO can contain more than one restriction which means the Order can deal with a wider range of behaviours that the orders and by-laws it replaces.

Breaching a PSPO is a criminal offence and enforcement officers can issue a Fixed Penalty Notice if appropriate to do so or recommend commencement of legal proceedings.

The maximum duration of a PSPO is three years. At any point before expiry, we can extend a PSPO by up to three years if we consider it is necessary to prevent the original behaviour from occurring or recurring.

We also have a Dog Management PSPO Order (PSPO), which covers the entire District and includes a number of requirements for owners to adhere to.