Haringey (Parliament Politics Magazine) – A borough-wide Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) will take effect in Haringey from Thursday, 1 May 2025, aiming to curb anti-social behaviour for 3 years.
The PSPO will emphasize involvement, guidance, and encouragement as part of the calibrated approach, which was put into place in response to residents’ pleas for action.
After a lengthy 19-week public consultation period and a co-design process, the council’s Cabinet approved the PSPO in December of last year, replacing 11 earlier ones that dealt with alcohol control and one with dog control.
In their consultation responses to these PSPOs and discussions surrounding them, local council members, law enforcement, and other stakeholders have all stated that they think a comprehensive approach will help address persistent, troublesome, and recurrent issues that are negatively affecting the community, like criminal activity and antisocial behavior (ASB).
Haringey Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Cllr Ajda Ovat, said:
“The council will continue to use PSPOs in a fair and proportionate way to minimise the risk of harm to individuals and the wider community.
They are about public safety for all. PSPOs are one of the tools that the council can utilize to deal with nuisance or problems that are detrimental to the local community’s quality of life. They’re there – primarily – to act as a deterrent.”
In response to input from stakeholders and citizens over the four-and-a-half-month public consultation period, the council has made several changes to this new PSPO from the original draft proposal.
Cllr Ovat added:
“We actively co-designed and collaborated on the proposals for this new PSPO with residents and stakeholders by utilising an extensive engagement approach that was very much rooted in the principles of the Haringey Deal.”
Concerns have been raised by some community organizations that the PSPO may disproportionately impact vulnerable groups, like the homeless, which could have an indirect effect on events and businesses if social tensions increase or if enforcement is seen as being overly strict.
The PSPO helps to control the atmosphere during festivals, markets, and other events by outlining precise guidelines for conduct in public areas, including the common areas surrounding establishments and event locations.
They gathered a broad range of feedback and – based upon it – amended the prohibitions to better reflect our community’s needs. They listened, and responded, to the concerns of the community around crime and antisocial behaviour.
A PSPO lays down precise guidelines for using designated public spaces and gives authorized police and council members the ability to interact with people and instruct them on appropriate conduct and duties.
The council will oversee the PSPO’s implementation and enforcement, promptly addressing any instances of disproportionality that are found.
An individual or someone acting on their behalf may initiate the appeals procedure, which is another aspect of the PSPO’s enforcement.
By tackling ASB, this PSPO will seek to enhance the safety and well-being of all locals, businesses, and tourists.
The PSPO can help improve the quality of life in public areas by lowering harmful behaviors including binge drinking, dog poop, and irresponsible and unsafe cycling on pavement.
How will the PSPO impact local businesses and events in Haringey?
The PSPO seeks to make public spaces safer, cleaner, and friendlier for patrons, guests, and event participants by addressing behaviors like excessive drinking, public urination, careless cycling on pavements, and fireworks in prohibited areas. This can promote more foot traffic and economic activity.
By serving as a deterrent against illegal and nuisance activities that could harm public gatherings and businesses, the PSPO helps shield neighborhood stores, eateries, and venues from disturbances that could turn away patrons.
By drawing more people who feel safe and at ease, companies and events stand to gain from increased public trust in using local places brought about by stronger enforcement and more obvious action against ASB.
The council promotes a methodical strategy that prioritizes consultation, interaction, and encouragement above enforcement.