Borough-wide crackdown on antisocial behaviour agreed by Haringey Council

The new public spaces protection order will prohibit public urination, riding bikes or scooters on pavements and lighting fireworks in restricted spaces

A borough-wide public spaces protection order (PSPO) will be implemented across Haringey next year in an effort to reduce antisocial behaviour.

The PSPO will be used to control behaviour that is “having or is likely to have a harmful effect on a local community’s quality of life”.

Haringey Council says the new PSPO will adopt a “measured approach to enforcement” with “engagement, advice and encouragement” offered to people found to be in breach, before further action is taken.

The PSPO lists several prohibitions, including public urination; riding a bicycle, moped, e-scooter or e-bike on restricted areas such as pavements; lighting a firework in a public space that is restricted; and demonstrating behaviour that causes, or is likely to cause “harassment, alarm or distress”.

The three-year order will come into effect from 1st May, when it replaces the existing eleven PSPOs that relate to the control of alcohol and one other PSPO regarding dog control.

The PSPO was approved by the council’s cabinet following a 19-week public consultation period over the summer. It can be enforced by police officers or any officer designated by the local authority.

Community groups had previously called the PSPO plan “disgusting” over concerns it would have a detrimental impact on people affected by homelessness, poverty and exclusion. Groups including Tottenham Copwatch, Museum of Homelessness and the Independent Socialist Group of councillors were among those protesting the proposal during the consultation period.

However, the council says that many local residents had been calling for the PSPO to help tackle antisocial behaviour and that the originally proposed PSPO has been amended since the consultation, in response to feedback.

Ajda Ovat, the council’s cabinet member for communities, said: “We have listened and responded to the concerns of the community around crime and antisocial behaviour.

“PSPOs are one of the tools that the council can utilise to deal with nuisance or problems that are detrimental to the local community’s quality of life.

“PSPOs are about public safety for all and are primarily there to act as a deterrent. The council will continue to use PSPOs in a fair and proportionate way to minimise the risk of harm – both to individuals and the community, contributing to cleaner and safer public spaces for all.”

The implementation and enforcement of the PSPO will be monitored by the council, with any identified “disproportionality” being addressed swiftly.

Cllr Ovat continued: “Our approach to engagement has been extensive. Rooted in the principles of the Haringey Deal, we wanted to ensure we gathered a broad range of feedback.

“We actively co-designed and collaborated with residents and stakeholders. Based on this feedback, we have amended the proposed prohibitions to better reflect our community’s needs.”

Anyone who feels they have been treated unfairly under PSPO powers will have the right to appeal.

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