What are PSPOs?
PSPOs were created by the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 and are intended to deal with any nuisance or problem in a defined area that is detrimental to the local community's quality of life. A PSPO can impose restrictions on the use of an area which applies to everyone. The PSPO is not an order to restrict anyone’s personal freedoms, but to help tackle anti-social behaviours.
It is an offence for a person without reasonable excuse to engage in an activity that is prohibited by this Order. A person found to be in breach of this Order is liable to a Fixed Penalty Notice or on summary conviction, to a maximum penalty of the set level defined by the legislation.
There are currently two PSPOs around the Borough.
1) Town Centre PSPO 2024
Dartford Borough Council first made the order for this PSPO in 2017 to address the anti-social behaviour caused by certain use of motor vehicles, unsocial drinking and other forms of anti-social behaviour which negatively impacts upon individuals and businesses in Town Ward. This order is reviewed every three years.
In September 2023 The Council sought the public’s views on renewing the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in Town Ward. A positive response was received and the Council has now had the order renewed.
This PSPO will seek to control the following forms of anti-social behaviour:
- Intoxicating Substances
- Alcohol
- Other Forms of anti-social behaviour
At all times, persons will not in the Restricted Area:
- litter;
- urinate or defecate (unless in a toilet facility);
- swear, shout, or act in a threatening manner;
- act in a manner that is causing or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress
- ride an e-scooter in the main pedestrian area of Dartford Town Centre at any time.
For full details of all the restrictions imposed by the Town Centre PSPO please see the Order using the headings above.
2) Nuisance Vehicle PSPO 2022
In March 2022 The Council sought the public’s views on implementing this PSPO across the entire Borough to help tackle persistent anti-social behaviour caused by certain use of motor vehicles, which negatively impacts upon individuals and businesses. A positive response was received and in May 2022 the Council approved the Order.
This PSPO will seek to control the anti-social use of motor vehicles, some of these behaviours include, but not limited to:
- Speeding
- Driving in convoy
- Racing
- Performing stunts
- Sounding horns (as to cause public nuisance)
- Revving engines
- Wheel spins
- Playing music (as to cause public nuisance)
- Creating significant public nuisance
- Engaging in any other activity that a reasonable person would consider to be “car cruising”.