Wandsworth (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Wandsworth Council will extend PSPOs until 2028, covering alcohol, legal highs, antisocial behaviour, and dog rules in 4 new spaces. Deputy Leader Kemi Akinola highlighted community safety as key.
As My London News reported, Wandsworth Council has decided to extend its rules on antisocial behaviour for another 3 years. The rules were first introduced in 2023 under the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO).
The order bans drinking alcohol in public spaces, stops disorderly behaviour, and prohibits the use of legal highs. Council leaders say the rules protect residents and visitors and help maintain welcoming and secure community spaces across the borough.
What does Wandsworth Council’s PSPO extension mean for dog rules until 2028?
The council also updated its dog regulations under a separate 3-year PSPO. The new rules now cover 4 additional open spaces. Officials advised dog walkers to pick up after their dogs, keep their dogs on leads in some places, and do not allow dogs into certain locations.
They also said there’s a limit on how many dogs can be walked at one time, which is four dogs unless you have a special licence. They said it is for the benefit of owners to support responsible dog ownership and the protection of public space. The council adds that the measures are meant to create safer parks and open areas where everyone can enjoy time outdoors without disruption or risk.
Wandsworth Council has revealed the new public spaces to be included under its updated dog-related Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO). The areas are Oasis Green Space, Swaffield Pocket Park, Nine Elms Open Space, and Graveney Pocket Park. The existing dog control rules already applied across the borough, but these 4 locations were either recently created or have come under council management since the original 2023 PSPO.
The council will make a final decision on the updated PSPOs on October 22, 2025. If approved, the rules will take effect that month and remain in force until October 2028, with the option to extend for another 3 years if needed.
Anyone who breaches the order can be fined up to £100, reduced to £75 if paid within 10 days. Failure to pay may result in prosecution, carrying fines up to £1,000, or up to £500 for alcohol-related offences.
A report by council officers said:
“It is important to note a PSPO has a deterrent effect. An authorised person or the police will initially request that the individual complies with the order and/or disperses from the public space. If compliance is achieved voluntarily, then an FPN is not issued.”
If an individual does not comply with the order and/or follow the instructions of the authorised person or the police an FPN is issued.
Accordingly, the benefits and effectiveness of a PSPO cannot be measured solely by the number of FPNs issued or enforcement action taken. The PSPO enables prevention and early intervention with the individual and provides an authorised person, the police with the necessary authority to instruct a person to comply with the PSPO.”
Labour councillor Kemi Akinola, the authority’s Deputy Leader, told the Cabinet she welcomed the plans as
“community safety is paramount to creating our liveable, safe and thriving neighbourhoods”.