Hammersmith and Fulham (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Hammersmith & Fulham Council launches a consultation on a borough-wide Public Space Protection Order to curb anti-social behaviour and enhance safety.
In addition to an annual commitment of £7 million in community safety activities, the idea is a component of the council’s broader Crime Fighting Strategy.
The proposed PSPO will impose additional limitations on the borough’s public areas. These include policies that prohibit loitering in groups where harassment or intimidation has been reported, discourage aggressive or persistent begging, and limit the wearing of face coverings meant to hide identity in order to incite fear or discomfort. People who conceal their faces for medical, cultural, or religious reasons would be exempt.
The PSPO would enable council officials and the Law Enforcement Team (LET) to issue warnings and £100 fixed penalty notices to those who violate the law if it were put into effect. Repeat violators may be prosecuted and subject to fines of up to £1,000.
The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act of 2014 established PSPOs nationwide, granting local governments the authority to impose restrictions on actions judged harmful to public life. Following resident discussions, the council in Hammersmith & Fulham has already executed a number of targeted PSPOs.
The borough’s current PSPOs are as follows:
- a borough-wide ordinance to combat street harassment and enhance safety for women and other vulnerable populations.
- A PSPO that limits alcohol use in public areas with the goal of promoting responsible drinking and lowering disorder.
- Introduced in 2023, the Responsible Dog Ownership PSPO covers off-lead behavior and dog fouling in parks and open areas.
- local prohibitions on street entertainment and amplified busking, especially in White City, Shepherds Bush, and Hammersmith Town Centre.
The council’s Law Enforcement Team, working with the Metropolitan Police, has begun enforcing these existing orders as part of a larger plan to strike a balance between the need to address nuisance behavior and the public’s enjoyment of open spaces.
Residents have until midnight on Friday, October 24, 2025, to provide input on the proposed borough-wide PSPO, according to the council. The ultimate decision will be influenced by anonymous and confidential responses.
According to the council, the suggested actions are meant to promote safer, more welcoming public areas while making sure that enforcement authority is applied sensibly and proportionately to each case.
How can residents participate in the PSPO consultation process?
Councils normally put out an online survey to get people’s thoughts and outlooks on the proposals and how anti-social behavior affects their lives.
Residents and community groups can submit written comments that help councils to understand the localised issues and suggestions. A local ward panel or public meeting may also be arranged, which provides an opportunity to discuss the proposals, ask questions and provide a face-to-face response or comment.
Input may be requested directly from community representatives, residents’ associations, local businesses and other interested parties. Wider promotion through local newspapers, social media, newsletters, and at public buildings, libraries, and council offices keeps people informed and helps garner participation.