Skip to main content

beta This is the improved Camden website. Tell us what you think.

Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs)

Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) help local authorities tackle anti-social behaviour. They can help make sure public spaces can be enjoyed by all.

On this page

What PSPOs are

PSPOs allow us to put restrictions or requirements in an area to deal with problems that are impacting the community’s quality of life.

We can make a PSPO if we 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 negatively impact the quality of life in that area
  • is, or is likely to be, ongoing
  • is, or is likely to be, unreasonable
  • justifies the restrictions being put in place

What a public place is

A public place is any place in which the public have access, such as streets, parks and open spaces.

Why we need PSPOs 

We hope that PSPOs encourage people not to cause anti-social behaviour. We also hope they’ll give us the ability to deal with anti-social behaviour quickly through giving fines, called fixed penalty notices[AM1.1] (FPNs). This allows our parks and public spaces to be enjoyed free from anti-social behaviour.

How long PSPOs last

A PSPO can be in place for up to 3 years. Before a PSPO expires, it can be extended for up to a further 3 years, after a review and consultation.

Who decides about PSPOs in Camden

The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 gives us the power to create PSPOs. 

Within the council, the decision to make a PSPO is made by a Collective Cabinet Decision. This means the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet decide together, rather than a single person.

PSPOs affecting 1 to 4 wards are the responsibility of the Cabinet Member for Safer Communities. 

Whether to extend an order or make one for a specific place is the responsibility of the Executive Director of Investment, Place and Opportunity, following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Safer Communities.

Find out more about responsibilities in Collective Cabinet Decisions.

How we make sure PSPOs do not disproportionately impact vulnerable or marginalised groups 

Officers will not use this power to specifically target any particular community in a discriminatory way. Officers who can enforce PSPOs know about support services they can refer vulnerable individuals to.

Where possible, a warning will be issued first, however the authorised officers can give out FPNs immediately.  

Where children are involved, a safeguarding approach will be adopted through existing referral frameworks so as not to criminalise vulnerable young people in line with existing council protocols.  

Challenging a PSPO

You can challenge a PSPO through the High Court with 6 weeks of it staring, if you believe we: 

  • did not have the powers to make the order, or to include restrictions or requirements
  • did not meet the requirements – for example, by not doing a consultation  

The court will review your challenge within 3 months.

How to know a PSPO is in place

There will be signs in the relevant areas telling you about the PSPO.

Enforcing a PSPO

People who can enforce, or make you follow, a PSPO include:

  • police officers
  • police community support officers (PCSOs)
  • any council Community Safety Enforcement Officers

For Temporary Events or other public events, PSPOs can be suspended with prior written notice from the council or the police.

What happens if you do not comply with a PSPO

If you do not follow, or comply with, a PSPO, we will give you a warning where possible. But officers are allowed to give out FPNs of £100 immediately.

You will have 28 days to pay a FPN after being given it. This will be reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days. 

If you do not pay the FPN, or you repeatedly do not follow a PSPO, you could be prosecuted in a magistrate’s court.

Appealing a FPN for a PSPO

There is no formal appeal process for FPNs.

If you disagree with a FPN, you can contact us to explain why you disagree and we will look at the details.

You do not have to pay the FPN. But if you do not pay it, you can be prosecuted in a magistrate’s court. There, you would have the opportunity to plead not guilty and explain to the court.

Criminal records for breaching a PSPO 

A FPN is not a criminal conviction and will not appear on your criminal record. 

However, if you’re prosecuted and convicted by a magistrate’s court, this will be on your criminal record.

Current PSPOs