Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) Consultation July 2020

Please note that the consultation period has been e​xtended by a week to 7 August 2020

What is this about?

PSPOs were introduced in Surrey Heath in October 2017 and are part of the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. They are designed to deal with a particular nuisance or problem in a specific public space/area that is detrimental to the local community's quality of life, by introducing a number of orders which will apply to everyone.  The framework enables the Council and Surrey Police to deal with low level anti-social behaviour that relates to psychoactive substances, alcohol control zones, begging in Camberley town centre and encouraging responsible dog ownership, for detailed information on the existing orders click here.
           
The orders have resulted in the Council being able to deal effectively with a wide range of complaints, by using the orders to prevent further low level disorder. Although no formal prosecutions have been carried out between 2017 to date, it does enable action to be taken when appropriate and proportionate in dealing with issues relating to anti-social behaviour.  The Council are proposing to extend the existing orders for a further 3 year period until October 2023.
 
This is an opportunity for you to offer your feedback, thoughts and questions relating to this proposal. Some further information is below. 
 
Please note that the consultation period has been extended by a week to 7 August 2020, then responses will be analysed and reported back to the Council at its Executive on 15 September 2020.
 
The PSPOs are centred on improving and protecting the local area for the people of Surrey Heath whether you live or visit or work here, and all opinions are valued in helping shape the future of Surrey Heath

Further information

Street drinking

This does not mean that it is an offence to drink alcohol in a public space, but it is an offence if you fail to comply with a request by an authorised Council officer or Police Officer to cease drinking or surrender alcohol within the designated areas outlined on the order and maps.

Psychoactive Substances

These drugs are designed to replicate the effects of other illegal drugs, and have the capacity to stimulate or depress the central nervous system. This is due to one or more chemical substances used in the manufacturing process, and the effects of taking them can cause erratic behaviour which can be anti-social.

Begging

Over the past 3 years the Council has continued to strive to work with those who are genuinely homeless. This is usually by referral to our Housing team, or The Hope Hub. This order is designed to deter those who come to Camberley to beg whilst they have means and accommodation either locally or elsewhere. 

Encouraging responsible dog ownership/walking 

Those who use the Council's 35 parks and greenspace areas to exercise their dogs must ensure their dogs are under control, on a lead when necessary, and to clear up after their dog has fouled.  It does not mean that your dog needs to be on a lead at all times, but it must be under control, and if requested by an authorised Council Officer you will be required to place the dog on to a lead, with the exception of an area within Lightwater Country Park where during the bird nesting season dogs within this vicinity are required to be on a lead at all times.

Dogs are excluded from the Council play areas, see areas outlined on our PSPO webpage. 

Does this order include Drones?

No, as this is covered under the Council's Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Policy.  View the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Policy.

What are the penalties?

Failure to comply can result in a fixed penalty notice of £100 or a maximum fine of £1,000

Consultation Feedback  

Can you advise:
  1. Whether you broadly agree with the proposal as a whole
  2. If there are any alterations that you would like to see be made to the geographical areas that the PSPOs are operational within
  3. If there are any alterations that you would like to see be made to the issues being considered within the existing PSPO areas
  4. That you live, work or have visited Surrey Heath.
Responses to be emailed to: pspoconsultation@surreyheath.gov.uk