We want our residents to be proud of where they live, to feel safe and enjoy clean spaces.
Thanks to the backing of councillors, the police, community groups and wider public, our refreshed borough-wide Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) means we can crack down on anti-social behaviour and people making our borough dirty by taking immediate enforcement action with on-the-spot fines of £100.
From 1 March new offences such as use of fireworks in streets; loitering and causing distress; walking more than 4 dogs without a permit will be added to the borough-wide PSPO. Existing orders such as spitting, littering, street drinking, smoking in play areas, failing to pick up dog mess and driving over footpaths will still be enforced.
Between now and 1 March officers will be engaging and informing anyone breaching the order, so they are aware of the new laws coming into force. A full list of the prohibitions and what the PSPO covers is online. It includes an interactive map which points out what is not allowed in our parks, town centres and housing estates.
Cllr Anjana Patel, cabinet member for Highways, Infrastructure and Community Safety said:
“Like our residents, we want a clean and safe borough. Sadly, there are some people who have no respect or pride for their neighbourhoods. Our protection order puts residents first by taking immediate enforcement action against those making areas unpleasant to live, work and visit. We hope this will make them think twice before acting anti-socially.
“We want to ensure people are aware of the new orders before we begin enforcement in March. Our officers will be informing people in the meantime where a breach is seen.”
The PSPO allows us to act quickly on environmental crimes being committed with £100 fixed penalty notice. It’s an alternative to taking the matter to court which legislation allows, however depending on the severity of the crime the offender can still be prosecuted and convicted by the courts.
Following local feedback, the order relating to Bentley Priory Nature Reserve will be subject to a further period of consultation and will not be introduced at this present time. We will review this and a decision will be made once the consultation is complete.
For more information visit www.harrow.gov.uk/pspo