Public Space Protection Order In Action

*** Repost Spelthorne Borough Council ***

16 July 2024: In May Spelthorne Borough Council introduced a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to tackle several issues which have been concerning residents on the misuse of public land.

Since that point, the council’s Enforcement Team have been busy installing new signage around the Borough and advising residents during their patrols on what the new order covers, which includes:

• a ban on tents or similar structures being used on public land (to prevent littering and the area being used as a toilet)
• a ban on any device for cooking, such as barbeques, in parks or open spaces (to prevent risk of fire and damage to the area)
• the introduction of an exclusion zone covering Stanwell Moor and parts of Stanwell, preventing taxis and private hire vehicles from using residential areas for parking

In the last 8 weeks since the order has come into force, the team have spoken to many offenders, resulting in over 650 warnings. Shortly the team will begin to enforce the order and issue £100 Fixed Penalty Notices and prosecute repeat offenders.  

Cllr Malcolm Beecher, Chair of the Environment and Sustainability Committee, said: “The introduction of this PSPO followed a public consultation and is a clear demonstration that this authority is listening to you, our residents, and acting upon your feedback. We believe this order will have a positive impact on local communities for a cleaner and safer Spelthorne. Our Enforcement Team will prioritise known hotspots in the Borough, and I ask that visitors, taxi drivers and residents respect the rules that are now in place otherwise you will be risking a fine.”

To view the full PSPO visit www.spelthorne.gov.uk/PSPO and the results of the consultation can be viewed at www.spelthorne.gov.uk/article/21759/Public-Space-Protection-Order-misuse-of-public-land

To report any of the issues above, or problems such as fly tipping, noise, dog fouling graffiti, bonfires or antisocial behaviour, visit www.spelthorne.gov.uk/report or call 01784 451499.