A key tool in tackling low level anti-social behaviour in Surrey Heath has been extended for three years.
Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) were introduced in Surrey Heath in 2017. They enable the council and Surrey Police to deal with a particular nuisance or problem in a specific public space or area that has a negative effect on the quality of life of the local community.
Following a public consultation held in May, the council Executive has approved the extension of PSPOs in the borough for a further three years until October 2029, with some amendments to reflect changes in trends of low level anti-social behaviour in different areas.
The new PSPOs will retain a ban on dog fouling that covers all public areas within Surrey Heath, a ban on dogs from all of the borough’s council play areas, and the ‘dogs on leads’ order in place during bird nesting season at Lightwater Country Park.
The alcohol control zones in Camberley town centre and the Old Dean shopping parade are retained, with seven other zones removed due to insufficient evidence to keep them. Street begging in Camberley town centre will continue to be prohibited.
At the request of Surrey Police, a ban on erecting tents in Camberley town centre, London Road Recreation Ground and Camberley Park without permission of the landowner is introduced, along with catapult and slingshot restrictions to prevent harm and injury across all of Surrey Heath.
The borough‑wide ban of nitrous oxide through local PSPOs has been removed as nitrous oxide is now a Class C drug under national law, and therefore enforcement is now covered by criminal legislation.
The new Crime and Policing Act 2026 allows for the fines for PSPO breaches to increase from £100 to £500 - this will be reviewed for implementation from October 2026, when the new orders are introduced.
The extension of the orders supports the council’s strategy by helping to keep the borough safe and secure.
Surrey Heath Portfolio Holder for Built Environment and Regulation Cllr Alan Ashbery said: “I’m pleased that our Public Spaces Protection Orders will be extended for another three years. They are an important tool in dealing with low level anti-social behaviour in our communities, which we know is an issue that residents are concerned about.
“We’ve listened to feedback from partners, stakeholders and the public to update the orders in response to differing issues faced across the borough, to make them as effective and as targeted as possible.”
Find out more about the PSPOs item discussed at Executive on 21 July 2026