Public Space Protection Order’s (PSPO) were introduced in the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. This Act gives powers to the Local Authority as part of its statutory obligations for ASB, crime and disorder. It replaces the previous “Dispersal Zone” powers given to local authorities and contained in legislation that has since been repealed. It differs in as much as the new PSPO powers permit local authorities to include the activities that are prohibited.

A PSPO is designed to reduce the opportunity for individuals or groups to commit anti-social behaviour or criminal activity in a public space and identifies the specific activities being carried out in the public space that are sought to be prohibited by such an order.

A failure to comply with the PSPO conditions without a reasonable reason for doing so - is a breach of the order and is a criminal offence.