Public space protection orders

Public space protection orders (PSPO) give the police wider discretionary powers to deal with a nuisance or problem that harms the local community’s quality of life.

PSPOs replace existing legislation and introduce wider discretionary powers to deal with nuisances or problems which harm the local community’s quality of life. They were created as part of the by the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, (section 59). 

The order is intended to ensure that people can use and enjoy public spaces, safe from anti-social behaviour. The law requires the order must be published in writing and reasonable signage must be put up in the area.

Breaking an order is a criminal offence, which can result in a fixed penalty notice (FPN) of £80 or prosecution. If prosecuted, an individual could be fined up to £1,000. Only those aged over 18 or over can be issued with a FPN.

PSPO in Croydon town centre

A PSPO has been introduced in Croydon town centre to tackle street drinking and anti-social behaviour.

The restrictions include;

  • being in possession of an open container of, or consuming alcohol; this does not include licensed premises
  • behaving in a manner, either as an individual or within a group of people, which is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress

You can view a copy of the full PSPO in the downloads section below.

Related documents for Public Space Protection Orders