Borough-wide Public Space Protection Order (PSPO)

Overview

We know that you are concerned about anti-social behaviour in our borough and in the residents' satisfaction survey, you’ve told us that you want to feel safer in Lewisham.

Lewisham Council understands well how anti-social behaviour can affect our communities, with residents often feeling powerless to act. Councils have a key role to play in helping to make local areas safe places to live, visit and work. Tackling anti-social behaviour continues to be a high priority for Lewisham. We should stress that this is not in any way intended to restrict people’s enjoyment of our parks and public spaces. Quite the reverse – it is about making sure that everyone is able to enjoy public places safely, free from anti-social behaviour.

Having listened to your concerns we are now investigating the introduction of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) across the borough and would like to consult with you on this proposal because your views are important to us.

A PSPO is an additional tool that gives the Police and Council Officers powers to help reduce specific anti-social behaviours. It also allows officers to issue a warning, or a fixed penalty notice for anti-social behaviour carried out by individuals. The PSPO is enforced under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, and our proposed Order would apply to the entire borough of Lewisham for the following activities:

• Alcohol related anti-social behaviour and disorder
• Consumption of drugs and psychoactive substances
• Illegal encampments
• Public urination and defecation
• Amplified speech or music in open spaces
• Dog related anti-social behaviour in public spaces and parks

Please provide your views on our proposed PSPO by completing the survey below. 

The consultation will start on 27th February and you will have until 30th April to participate. Once the consultation has closed the survey responses will be analysed and the results reported to the Mayor and Cabinet.

We have supplied three supporting documents and a video, which can be found at the bottom of this page, to provide you with more information on the proposals:

1. Lewisham Council PSPO Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). This document will hopefully answer many of the questions you may have regarding the PSPO.
2. Evidence Pack. This pack shows the data, which has been gathered from the Police and Lewisham Council on ASB within the borough and how it has been used to guide our priorities for the PSPO
3. Restricted Areas for Dogs under the PSPO. This document provides maps showing the areas that we propose restrictions for the management of dogs.

If you have any questions please email: asb.statnuisance@lewisham.gov.uk