Ealing Council is inviting residents across the borough to have their say on the future of the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), which it says has played a key role in addressing anti-social behaviour.
The consultation, which runs until 4 August 2025, is seeking public feedback on whether to renew the current PSPO.
Introduced in 2019 and renewed in 2022, the order applies to all public spaces in Ealing and prohibits behaviours such as drinking alcohol, using psychoactive substances, loitering in groups engaging in anti-social behaviour and intimidating members of the public.
The current penalty for breaking a PSPO is a fine of £100 which can rise to £1000 through court proceedings if the original fine is not paid.
The current PSPO is due to expire in October 2025. If renewed, the council says it will continue working with the police to enforce the order, while maintaining its broader commitment to creating safe, inclusive and welcoming public spaces.
Speaking to EALING.NEWS, an Ealing Council spokesperson said: “The Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) has been an important tool in tackling anti-social behaviour across the borough. Over the past year, police and council enforcement officers issued 68 fines for serious or repeated breaches of the order.”
The council says that enforcement is just one element of a broader strategy focused on prevention, education and early intervention.
The spokesperson added: “Alongside enforcement, the PSPO is primarily used to engage with the public, educate around acceptable behaviour and intervene early to prevent escalation. Officers carried out several thousand public engagement interactions last year, including a high number of dispersals, where individuals were directed to leave an area due to anti-social behaviour. These proactive measures help maintain safe and welcoming public spaces for everyone.
“If renewed, we’ll continue working with the police to enforce the order, but enforcement is just one part of our wider strategy to keep the borough’s public spaces safe, inclusive and welcoming for all.”
Councillor Jasbir Anand, Ealing Council’s cabinet member for tackling inequality, said: “Everyone in Ealing should feel safe and be able to enjoy our parks, town centres and public spaces without feeling intimidated or harassed. We know anti-social behaviour disproportionately affects women and girls, as well as people from minoritised groups, which is why we are committed to doing everything we can to make our borough safer.”
To take part in the survey, click here.
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