Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO)
Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO) help councils and their partners to tackle anti-social behaviour in their local areas.
PSPOs deal with a particular nuisance or problem that can impact the local community’s quality of life. They're designed to help people enjoy safe public spaces.
Powers to create PSPOs came into force in October 2014.
PSPOs in Medway
Areas that have a PSPO in place for alcohol related anti-social behaviour include:
- Chatham
- Gillingham
- Rochester
- Strood.
These are known as Alcohol Control Zones.
These zones restrict drinking alcohol in public places in an anti-social way, for example drinking in the street.
This does not mean there’s a blanket ban on drinking in public but does mean the police or an authorised council officer can prevent you drinking alcohol if you’re behaving anti-socially. If you refuse to stop drinking alcohol when asked, you'll be committing an offence. Your alcohol can be confiscated and disposed of, and you can be fined up to £100. If you fail to comply you can also be arrested.
Pubs, restaurants, and off licences do not form part of the PSPO.
New PSPO from the 1 April 2024
From 1 April 2024, a new PSPO came into force across Medway. The new PSPO looks to control anti-social use of motor vehicles. Some of these behaviours include, but are not limited to:
- driving in convoy
- performing stunts
- revving engines
- wheel spins
- burnouts
- engaging in car cruising.
It also includes recording or congregating to spectate any of the activities listed above.
It's an offence for a person, without reasonable excuse, to engage in an activity that's prohibited by this order. If the person found in breach of this order is liable for a fixed penalty notice or on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.
Contact us
If you have any questions email: csu@medway.gov.uk or phone: 01634 333 333 and ask to speak to an officer from the Community Safety Partnership office.
Or write to:
Community Safety Partnership
Medway Council
Gun Wharf
Dock Road
Chatham
Kent ME4 4TR