Croydon Council is extending its Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in the town centre, reinforcing Executive Mayor Jason Perry’s commitment to making Croydon a cleaner, safer and healthier place for all.

The order sets out clear rules about what is and isn’t acceptable in the area – this includes drinking alcohol on the streets, harassing people and urinating in a public place. Croydon Police are responsible for enforcing the PSPO.

Introduced in November 2022 as part of the Mayor’s Business Plan (2022–2026), the PSPO has contributed to a 24% reduction in antisocial behaviour in Croydon town centre, without causing any measurable increase in such behaviour in neighbouring areas.

Following a six-week public consultation with residents and businesses, which showed strong support for the PSPO, the Cabinet approved the decision to renew the order for a further three years in a meeting on Wednesday, 24 September.

The geographical area of the PSPO will be extended to include Oval Road and Park Hill Park to the east, a greater stretch of London Road to the west, and Wandle Park and Tanfield Road to the southwest following residents’ feedback.

Feedback from Croydon residents, police, and businesses also highlighted concerns about the use of amplified sound in public spaces. In response, the renewed PSPO will no longer allow the unauthorised use of microphones, loudspeakers, megaphones, and other amplification equipment powered by mains electricity or generators.

The Council also consulted with partners including the Metropolitan Police and Croydon BID (Business Improvement District) and received strong support for the changes to the PSPO.

The order supports other work Croydon is doing with its partners to tackle antisocial behaviour in the town centre through the Town Centre Taskforce.

More information can be found on the Council website.

“Croydon residents deserve to feel safe and proud of their town centre. The town centre PSPO has already made a real difference, and by extending and strengthening it, we’re responding directly to what our community has told us they want.

“This is a clear message that antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated and we’re taking necessary action to protect our public spaces and support those who live, work and visit here.”

Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon