Public space protection orders
Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) are legal measures councils use to tackle persistent anti-social behaviour in public areas. Introduced in 2014 under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime & Policing Act, they help us to keep streets, parks and town centres safe and welcoming for everyone by targeting activities that harm the quality of life for residents, businesses and visitors.
Councils can prohibit certain actions or require behaviours within a defined area. They can cover small areas or be applied across larger areas, including the whole district.
Orders are tailored to local needs: they specify where, when and to whom the rules apply, ensuring measures are proportionate and focused on genuine community concerns.
A PSPO can last for up to three years, and can be renewed or extended at that point, or it can be allowed to expire if the problem no longer exists.
Enforcement is carried out by authorised council officers or the Police, with fixed penalty notices or fines for breaches of the order.
By careful use of this tool, the council is able to improve neighbourhood quality of life, helping communities feel safer and more confident in their public spaces.