Public Spaces Protection Order
Public Spaces Protection Order
A Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) is a legal measure available to local authorities in England and Wales introduced under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. PSPOs are designed to address issues in public spaces that may negatively affect the quality of life for the community. They aim to prevent specific behaviours considered to be anti-social within a designated area by imposing certain restrictions or requirements.
Legal Framework and Implementation
PSPOs empower local councils to curb activities that are considered to cause nuisance or harm. These orders can prohibit or regulate any activities deemed to be detrimental to the local community's wellbeing. For example, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea implemented a PSPO to address noise nuisance and risks associated with motor vehicles in Knightsbridge.
Additionally, councils like Peterborough City Council have used PSPOs to ban littering, spitting, and cycling in specific areas, while Kettering Borough Council imposed a curfew for individuals under 18 from being outside alone during late-night hours.
The orders are subject to public consultation and review, ensuring that they are proportionate and necessary. The enforcement of PSPOs typically involves police community support officers or local authority officers.
Examples and Controversies
One notable example of a PSPO is the Ealing London Borough Council's order to protect the area around a Marie Stopes International Reproductive Choices clinic, seeking to prevent harassment or intimidation of individuals accessing the clinic.
However, PSPOs have not been without controversy. Critics argue that they can be overly broad, potentially infringing on civil liberties such as freedom of expression and freedom of assembly. For instance, protests at certain locations, such as Saint Hill Manor, have led to calls for PSPOs to limit demonstrations.
Additionally, legal challenges and public criticism often arise when PSPOs are perceived to criminalize behaviours that some see as harmless or part of ordinary life. For instance, there have been criticisms regarding the use of PSPOs to penalize begging or the use of "foul and abusive language" as seen in Salford Quays.
Related Developments
Recent legislative developments, such as the addition to the Public Order Act 2023, have introduced "buffer zones" outside abortion clinics across England and Wales, reflecting ongoing adjustments to public order laws in response to societal needs and concerns.
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