Following concerns raised by residents in the Earl’s Court ward regarding the overall safety of the area, the Council is proposing to implement a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO). This measure is intended to address anti-social behaviors, enhance safety, and contribute to the overall improvement of the quality of life in Earl’s Court ward.
This is a replacement for the proposed S80, for which many residents supplied witness statements. There is an opportunity for residents to raise issues that are of concern.
https://consult.rbkc.gov.uk/communities/pspo-earls-court/consultation/subpage.2024-01-08.9568750596/
These are proposed PSPO Restrictions:
1. Use of illegal drugs or psychoactive substances
- Prohibits preparing or using illegal drugs or psychoactive substances.
- Requires immediate cessation and surrender of substances or paraphernalia.
- Exemptions for lawful possession of psychoactive substances.
2. Littering
- Prohibits abandoning drug paraphernalia, bottles, cans, packets, etc., outside appropriate receptacles.
3. Street urination or defecation
- Prohibits urinating or defecating in a place other than a serviced public convenience.
4. Consumption of alcohol in a public place
- Prohibits consuming alcohol causing alarm, distress, or harassment.
- Requires immediate cessation and surrender of alcohol or containers.
5. Loitering and refusing to leave an area
- Prohibits loitering in a group causing intimidation, harassment, alarm, or distress.
- Mandates leaving an area upon request by an authorised officer.
6. Aggressive begging
- Prohibits aggressive begging for food, money, or other items.
- Includes intimidation, repeated requests, or false information.
7. Bicycles and scooters
- Prohibits riding on pavements within the protected area.
- Allows pushing and walking alongside bikes or scooters.
Offences and Penalties
- Offences under this Order may result in a fine not exceeding £1000.
- Fixed penalty notices may be issued, offering the option to discharge liability with payment.