We use Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) to control behaviour that is either having, or is likely to have, a harmful effect on a local community’s quality of life.
What are Public Spaces Protection Orders?
PSPOs put conditions or restrictions on an area which apply to everyone. They can be enforced by the police, council enforcement officers or any other authorised officers.
We can issue a fine of £100 to anyone who breaches the PSPO. If they do not pay the fine we can take further action with a maximum fine of £1000.
PSPOs help to make public areas safe from anti-social behaviour so they can be enjoyed by everyone.
You can read the Home Office’s guidance on PSPOs in section 2.6 of their Reform of anti-social behaviour powers document (PDF)
Current PSPOs in Newham
The London Borough of Newham currently has the following PSPOs in force in the borough:
Alcohol Control PSPO
The whole borough of Newham is subject to the following prohibitions / requirements:
No person shall refuse to stop drinking alcohol or hand over containers (sealed or unsealed) which are believed to contain alcohol, when required to do so by an authorised officer/ person. It's important to note that officers will only enforce this prohibition when people drinking alcohol are currently or likely to cause anti-social behaviour.
This PSPO does not prohibit drinking in public places but will give the police and other authorised persons (such as officers from the Local Authority who have designated powers) the power to confiscate alcohol, issue a fixed penalty of up to £100 or (if taken to court) a fine of up to £1000.
Public spaces protection for Alcohol Control 2025 - 2028 (DOCX)
Dog Control PSPO
The whole borough of Newham is subject to the following prohibitions / requirements:
- Dog faeces must be cleaned up by those responsible for their dog(s)
- Dogs must be put on lead when instructed to do so by an authorised officer
- Maximum of four dogs with one handler
- Dogs excluded from Children’s Play areas and Multi Use Games Areas (see attached Order for full list of locations)
Exemptions to the dog control PSPO - Those who have a recognised disability which affects mobility, manual dexterity, physical coordination or ability to lift, carry or otherwise move everyday objects, and are in charge of an assistance dog trained by a relevant charity are exempt for the purposes of the PSPO.
Failure to adhere to the PSPO requirements may result in a police officer or authorised officer issue a fixed penalty of up to £100 or (if taken to court) a fine of up to £1000.
Public spaces protection Order Dog Nuisance 2025 - 2028 (DOCX)
Street Harassment PSPO
The Street Harassment PSPO applies across the whole borough.
This PSPO is designed to help ensure people feel safe in public spaces and to tackle behaviour that causes harassment, alarm or distress.
The order prohibits threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour of a sexual nature towards another person or group where the behaviour is likely to undermine their sense of safety in a public space.
This includes, but is not limited to:
- unsolicited sexualised or obscene comments, propositions or gestures
- persistent questioning or following someone
- non-consensual physical contact
- cat-calling or inappropriate whistling
- hate or abuse targeting protected characteristics such as race, religion, gender, sex or sexual orientation
Failure to comply may result in a Fixed Penalty Notice or further enforcement action.
Misuse of Fireworks PSPO
The Misuse of Fireworks PSPO applies across the whole borough.
The PSPO aims to reduce anti-social behaviour and improve public safety linked to the misuse of fireworks in public spaces.
The order prohibits any person from discharging or throwing fireworks in a public place in a manner likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to others.
Council authorised events are exempt from this restriction.
Failure to comply may result in a Fixed Penalty Notice or further enforcement action.
Misuse of Fireworks PSPO (DOCX)
Misuse of Car Parks PSPO
The Misuse of Car Parks PSPO applies to London Borough of Newham owned or managed car parks.
The PSPO is intended to address anti-social behaviour taking place within council car parks and to help ensure these spaces remain safe and accessible for residents, businesses and visitors.
The order prohibits anti-social behaviour within identified car parks where the behaviour is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to others.
This includes, but is not limited to:
- vehicle-related anti-social behaviour
- excessive noise or disorder
- intimidating or threatening behaviour
- groups gathering in a manner causing nuisance or distress
The PSPO applies to the following car parks:
- Madge Gill Way
- Market Place
- Queens Market
- Selsdon Road
- Shaftesbury Road
- Stratford Multi-Storey
- Stratford Town Hall
- Will Thorne Pavilion
Failure to comply may result in a Fixed Penalty Notice or further enforcement action.
