A public space protection order (PSPO) to tackle antisocial behaviour (ASB) and street drinking will be introduced in Croydon town centre by December 18.

The area covered will include High Street, North End, London Road, East Croydon station, Queens Gardens, Park Lane, George Street and Sumner Road.
A PSPO is an order designed to stop individuals or groups committing asb in a public space.

The legislation is intended to tackle antisocial behaviour and ensure that the law-abiding majority can use and enjoy public spaces.

The orders can be enforced by fixed-penalty notices, or prosecution by police or council officers. The law requires the order must be in writing and it must be published. Reasonable signage will be put up in this area.
Breach of the PSPO is a criminal offence, which can be dealt with either by way of a fixed-penalty notice of £80, or prosecution (over 18s only).

A six-week public consultation, which ran from August 30 to October 15, gained 739 responses, with 93% supporting the use of a PSPO to ban ASB and 91% supporting its use to ban street drinking.
Respondents were asked if their enjoyment of the town centre has been affected by people drinking alcohol and/or behaving in ways that cause harassment, harm or distress – such as taking drugs or threatening others.

Councillor Hamida Ali, cabinet member for communities, safety and justice

“Tackling antisocial behaviour is a key priority in our Community Safety Strategy and this PSPO is just one way that we are using our powers to ensure that everyone feels safe in their town centre. We are working with the police and the BID to improve safety in the town centre safety and to help stop inappropriate and inconsiderate behaviour that affects everyone’s enjoyment of the town centre.”

We are working with the police and Bid to improve our town-centre safety and to help stop rowdy and inconsiderate behaviour.”
The PSPO will replace the existing controlled drinking zones.