Newham Council is consulting on proposals to clampdown on kerb crawlers who exploit and purchase sex from vulnerable women on Newham’s streets

Newham Council is consulting on proposals to clampdown on kerb crawlers who exploit and purchase sex from vulnerable women on Newham’s streets.

Areas affected under proposals to implement a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) include the 6 wards of Stratford, Forest Gate South, Green Street East, Green Street West, Little Ilford, Manor Park.

Romford Road, which cuts through these six wards, has long been associated with the problem of sex work and related anti-social behaviour which is affecting local residents.

Cllr Carleene Lee-Phakoe, Cabinet Member for Crime and Community Safety said:

“It is proposed to designate these areas with controls under a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to prevent harassment and the purchase of sex by individuals, kerb crawling and approaching women on the street.

“We want to get the views of residents to let us know what they think of the plan to introduce PSPOs in these area. The orders would give police and enforcement officers the power to issue £100 fines to those engaging in kerb-crawling or attempting to purchase sex within the area. There is also the possibility of a prosecution with the maximum penalty £1000.

“We know this kind of activity can cause alarm and distress – especially when women are harassed on the street – and residents experience the unpleasant impacts of this behaviour.

“The proposed PSPO is one action as part of our wider coordinated, partnership approach to reducing sex work within Newham, where women are safeguarded and supported to move away from sex work and action is taken against perpetrators of street harassment.’’

You can take part in the consultation on the Newham Co-create website.