Hillingdon Council has expanded banning orders on ‘anti-social’ behaviours which now includes using speakers and placing tables, stands and signage in town centres. Doing so could land offenders with a £1,000 fine if prosecuted.
The measures, known as Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs), were introduced by the council’s cabinet at the end of July after a public consultation had taken place. The consultation, which ran between May 1 and June 16, received more than 120 responses.
The council says that 69 per cent of most respondents felt the draft PSPOs covered or partly covered anti-social behaviour in their area. The new PSPOs, as well as measures retained from previous orders, when into effect on August 4 and will run until 2026.
These include previous rules such as:
- alcohol and drug misuse in public spaces
- idling vehicles
- use of drones in public spaces
- urinating, defecating and spitting
- being in charge of more than four dogs (six with a valid licence)
- unauthorised encampments
- begging.
The new orders, include:
- smoking/vaping within children’s play areas
- dogs within children’s play areas
- driving e-vehicles or motor vehicles over footways
- use of amplification equipment in town centres (Uxbridge, Hayes and Ruislip)
- placing of tables/stands/signage in town centres (Uxbridge, Hayes and Ruislip)
- financial agreements in the street in town centres (Uxbridge, Hayes and Ruislip)
- street trading and leaflet distribution without proper consent
- car meets/street racing
- use of amplification equipment at Ruislip Lido and other green spaces.
Anyone caught breaking any of the rules opens themselves out to prosecution. Police, council officers and officers authorised by the council can enforce the conditions of the PSPOs with an offence carrying a fine up to £1000.
Cllr Eddie Lavery, Hillingdon Council’s Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, said: “The new 2023-26 orders address concerns raised by residents during the consultation and will help us maintain safe and strong communities that continue to put them first.
“PSPOs are there to help deal with the few who ignore the rules, cause harm and are a nuisance in the community and will hopefully act as a deterrent.”
