Our PSPOs have been updated to reflect the decision made at Executive on 6 September 2023
About public space protection orders
Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) are intended to deal with a particular nuisance or problem in a specific area that is detrimental to the local community’s quality of life.
They work by imposing conditions on the use of that area which apply to everyone. They are intended to make sure that everyone can use and enjoy public spaces, safe from anti-social behaviour.
A PSPO can set out blanket restrictions and/or requirements or can be targeted against certain behaviours by certain groups at certain times.
PSPOs in North Somerset
We have created our orders following consultation with the police, police and crime commissioner, and other organisations or groups with an interest in our public spaces.
We have set out a number of requirements and/or restrictions for our public spaces which target antisocial activities.
These address issues that have an impact on residents and visitors and are detrimental to their quality of life.
It includes things like:
- dog fouling
- littering
- street drinking
- dog on leads in certain areas
- dog exclusion zones
Our orders will be reviewed every three years to ensure that they continue to be fit for purpose.
PSPO enforcement
PSPO's are enforced by the following groups of people:
- council officers
- council designated organisations, like Local Authority Support
- police officers
- police community support officers
Penalty for breaching a PSPO
Breach of a PSPO is a criminal offence.
We can issue a £75 fixed penalty to anyone who we believe has breached a PSPO. All fixed penalties must be paid within 14 days.
Payment of the fixed penalty will remove any liability to conviction for the offence. If the fine is not paid, we can prosecute you. This can lead to a maximum fine of £1,000 and costs.
View our anti-social behaviour fixed penalty notices page for more information and how to pay.
Recent news
See our news stories regarding penalties for breaching a PSPO in North Somerset.
Report a breach
If the incident is related to anti-social behaviour and is occurring now, such as street drinking or anti-social driving, call:
- 101 (the police) for non-urgent reports
- 999 in an emergency
For other PSPO breaches such as littering or dog control orders, contact our team directly.
Contact us
PSPOs are jointly managed between the council’s Community Safety, Environmental Protection and Waste Management teams.
To talk to us about a PSPO or to report a breach, you can contact us through email or post.
Safer Communities
Town Hall
Walliscote Grove Road
Weston-super-Mare BS23 1UJ