Public Space Protection Order (PSPO)

Public Spaces Protection Orders (often called PSPOs), were introduced in 2014.

They sit amongst a broad range of powers and tools to help tackle anti-social behaviour locally.

Councils understand how anti-social behaviour can blight the lives of people in their local communities, with those affected often feeling powerless to act.

PSPOs are aimed at ensuring public spaces can be enjoyed free from anti-social behaviour. They are not about stopping the responsible use of the night-time economy, or preventing young people from seeing their friends - but they do provide councils with another tool to help deal with persistent issues that are damaging their communities.

Councils can use PSPOs to prohibit specified activities, and/or require certain things to be done by people engaged in particular activities, within a restricted area.

Citywide PSPO

Sunderland's Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO city wide notice of making an order) is a city wide order, live from 1 May 2024 for three years covering the following prohibitions:

a. Consumption of alcohol in a public place, causing or likely to cause anti-social behaviour

b. The use of psychoactive substances in a public place

c. Smoking / vaping in all designated play areas

d. Car cruising as a passenger, driver, or spectator

e. Restrictions on unauthorised street events on adopted highways

f. Anti-social use of a skateboard, scooter, skates, bicycle, or stunt bicycle causing damage to property and/or nuisance or annoyance to other persons

g. Anti-social riding of a motor propelled vehicle, moped, quad bike, motorised bike or scooter in an open public place including bridleways and footpaths

h. Feeding/Attracting seagulls and pigeons

i. Household waste presentation

j. Bin raking

k. Removal of shopping trolleys

l. Urinating and defecating in public places

m. Spitting and discarding chewing gum

n. Dog fouling, dogs not kept under control and the presence of dogs in prohibited areas (Dog control orders)

If you do not comply, you may receive a £100 fixed penalty notice or face prosecution.

PSPO frequently asked questions

Please see our PSPO frequently asked questions for more details about our citywide PSPO.

External Links

Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014: Public Space Protection Orders (opens new window)