FAQs
What does PSPO mean?
PSPO is an abbreviation for Public Space Protection Order. A PSPO is a tool available to Councils under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 and are intended to be used to deal with a particular nuisance or problem in a specific area that is having a detrimental effect to the local community’s quality of life, by imposing conditions on the use of that area which apply to everyone. They are intended to help ensure that the law- abiding majority can use and enjoy public spaces, safe from anti-social behaviour.
Why does it not cover the whole of the Council area?
The legislation states that proposals to introduce a PSPO need to meet the legal tests: The legal tests focus on the impact that anti-social behaviour is having on victims and communities. A Public Spaces Protection Order can be made by the council if they are satisfied on reasonable grounds that the activity or behaviour concerned, carried out, or likely to be carried out, in a public space:
• has had, or is likely to have, a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those in the locality;
• is, or is likely to be, persistent or continuing in nature;
• is, or is likely to be, unreasonable;
• justifies the restrictions imposed.
A range of information has been assessed and those areas which are deemed to meet the legal threshold are being consulted on to be included in the PSPO. Those areas not included were not deemed to meet the threshold at the time
Would it be illegal to drink on the streets?
No. A PSPO is not an alcohol ban and it does not make it illegal to drink alcohol responsibly in a public place.
Can I be stopped or arrested for carrying alcohol on the streets?
No. A PSPO does not make it illegal to carry alcohol or to drink alcohol responsibly in a public place. PSPOs will only be used to tackle alcohol-related anti-social behaviour or disorder. Under these circumstances Police Officers, Police or other authorised persons, will have the power to stop people who are drinking alcohol and acting, or likely to act, in an anti-social manner and seize or confiscate alcohol within the area covered by the PSPO. If you fail to comply with an officer’s request to stop drinking and/or dispose of alcohol, you could face prosecution or a Fixed Penalty Notice.
What about street parties and events in parks?
Events within a public place which have an authorised premises license, or a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) will be excluded from the PSPO powers during the time for which the license is approved
Will there be any extra policing to enforce a PSPO?
No. The police and PCSO’s will continue to patrol and respond to incidents as part of their community response.
Why is the council proposing to renew the PSPO in relation to dogs?
We want to renew the PSPO to make it easier to tackle problems such as dog fouling, and dogs being in children’s play areas. If renewed, it allows a far more expedient means to tackle issues, through the use of fixed penalty notices, as well as prosecutions where required.