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 is a 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.
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 six 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.
Full details of the orders can be found in the attached documents:
Public spaces protection Order Dog Nuisance 2022-2025 (DOCX)
Public spaces protection for Alcohol Control 2022-2025 (DOCX)
Vehicle Nuisance PSPO – The wards of Beckton, Custom House, Royal Albert, Royal Victoria and the Pudding Mill Lane areaof Stratford Ward are subject to the following prohibitions / requirements:
The order prohibits:
1. Entering, attending or gathering in any public place in this area at any time of day or night for the purpose of:
- Preparing for or engaging in motor vehicle / cycle racing
- Preparing for motor vehicle / cycle displaying
- Watching motor vehicles / cycles being displaced or raced.
2. Entry of persons in vehicles, cycle or scooter (motorised or otherwise) for the purposes of undertaking stunts or any other activity that could cause harassment, alarm or distress to others, including the following activities:
- Revving of engines, sounding of horns and playing music from a vehicle (as to cause a public nuisance)
- Repeated sudden and rapid acceleration and performing of stunts (as to cause a public nuisance)
- Racing
- Using threatening, intimidating behaviour or language towards another person
- Causing an obstruction on a public highway, whether in a moving or stationary vehicle including driving in a convoy
- Parking in pedestrian footpaths and pedestrian areas
- Any other behaviour that may cause a public nuisance
3. Selling, offering or exposing for sale any goods, food or any other item within the public open spaces within this area without prior written permission of the land owner, planning permission, or a street trading licence or other lawful permission.
4. Entry to Beckton District Park and New Beckton Park is restricted by persons in any motor vehicle or motorcycle (Except for service vehicles for the purposes of maintenance and repair of the open spaces, or mobility vehicles being used by disabled persons or disabled blue badge holders).
Penalties for the offence: Fixed Penalty £100 or Maximum Penalty on conviction £1000
Proposed PSPOs
Borough-wide Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs), covering the following:
Newham Council is seeking residents’ views on proposals to introduce new borough-wide Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs). These would help tackle behaviours and activities that cause nuisance, distress, or make people feel unsafe in public spaces.
The proposed PSPOs cover the following areas:
- Street Harassment
- Misuse of Car Parks (such as loitering or anti-social behaviour)
- Psychoactive Substances
- Misuse of Fireworks
The Council is currently consulting with residents and stakeholders on the proposals and would welcome your feedback.
Your feedback will help us understand how these issues affect people across the borough and whether there is community support for introducing these restrictions.
The consultation is open from 8th December to 12th January 2026.
Please take a few minutes to share your views — your input will help shape how we make Newham’s public spaces safer and more welcoming for everyone.
