Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO)

Harrow has replaced the PSPOs for the Borough. Four separate orders have been introduced; Borough-wide, Town Centres, Housing Estates and Parks.

Our PSPO’s introduce powers to deal with anti-social and nuisance behaviours identified as causing annoyance and distress to others and considered detrimental to the local community’s quality of life. Harrow’s Cabinet have approved the implementation of the orders which are now live from 1st February 2024

PSPOs operate by imposing conditions on the use of a public area which apply to everyone. They are designed to ensure the law-abiding majority can use and enjoy public spaces without experiencing anti-social behaviour.

Following local feedback the order relating to Bentley Priory Nature Reserve will be the subject of a further period of consultation and will not be introduced at present. 

View the PSPO Map

How the PSPO works

Breach of the PSPO is a criminal offence and if witnessed will result in either:

There are no discounted charges.

Borough-wide PSPO

  • Street drinking after being asked to stop
  • Consumption, use, and/or possession of psychoactive substances
  • Controlling and clearing up after dogs
  • Urinating/defecating and/or spitting in public
  • Careless disposal of smoking material into a bin without first fully and properly extinguishing them.
  • Disturbing materials/items left as recycling or donations at charity shops or recycling points
  • Highways and Vehicles
  • Smoking in Play Areas
  • Dog Control
  • Illegal advertising or running events
  • Fires and fireworks
  • Congregating groups engaged in anti-social behaviour

To request permission to walk more than 4 dogs at a time complete the Dog walking form.

To request permission to run an event complete the Running events form.

To request permission to advertise for an event complete the Advertising form.

For further information view the Borough-Wide PSPO

The Town And District Centres PSPO

  • Intimidating and/or aggressive begging
  • Obstructing access to business premises during opening hours
  • Leaving commercial waste in public spaces for an unreasonable length of time
  • Feeding of Birds and Vermin

Some activities need permission:

  • Use of amplification
  • Financial Agreements on the Street
  • Placing of tables, stands, or other furniture / fixings
  • Distribution of leaflets (with exemptions)
  • Illegal or Unauthorised Street Trading

To request permission for the activities above, complete the Town centre PSPO form.

For further information view the Town Centres PSPO

Housing Estates And Housing Land PSPO

  • Disperse from an area when asked
  • Causing an obstruction which prevents or hinders the free passage of pedestrians or vehicles
  • Leaving waste outside the bins
  • Leaving food exposed for wildlife and attracting vermin

For further information view the Housing Estates PSPO

Parks And Open Spaces PSPO

  • Dog Control
  • Driving vehicles on park land without prior permission
  • Unauthorised activities

For further information view the Parks PSPO

PSPO enforcement

The Council works in partnership with the police and partners to ensure the effective enforcement of the order.

Officers able to enforce PSPOs include Council Officers and officers of Kingdom LA support (with delegated enforcement powers), Police Officers and PCSOs.

Paying a Fixed Penalty Notice

A Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) can be issued for various reasons by either Council Enforcement Officers or by our approved third party for such offences.

Pay a Fixed Penalty Notice