Public Spaces Protection Order

The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 introduced a range of new powers designed to address anti-social behaviour including Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs).

PSPOs are intended to deal with a particular nuisance or problem in a specific area, that is detrimental to the quality of life to residents, businesses and visitors and are persistent and continuing in nature, by imposing conditions on the use of that area which apply to everyone. They are designed to ensure the law-abiding majority can use and enjoy public spaces, safe from anti-social behaviour.

Two orders are currently in place in Breckland to tackle alcohol related ant-social behaviour in Thetford and Watton and one across the entire district to address vehicle related anti-social behaviour

Alcohol related anti-social behaviour in Thetford

On 7th December 2017 an order intended to tackle street drinking in and around the town centre and the anti-social use of bikes, scooters and skateboards in pedestrianised area was introduced for the full three year period.  After full consultation with residents and stakeholders the order was renewed in December 2020 and again on 16th December 2023.  

This Order imposes the following prohibitions which are to apply within the restricted area:

i. no person shall consume alcohol in any public place, a public place being any place to which the public or any section of the public has access on payment or otherwise, as of right or by virtue of express or implied permission;

ii.   no person shall urinate or defecate in any public place which is not a public convenience; and

iii.  no person shall ride upon a skateboard, bicycle or other self-propelled wheeled  vehicle within the designated pedestrianised zone in such a manner as to cause damage to property, or nuisance or annoyance to any other person within the designated pedestrian zone.

Alcohol related anti-social behaviour in Watton

On 19th July an order intended to tackle street drinking and related behaviour in Watton was introduced for the full 3 year period.  

This Order imposes the following prohibitions which are to apply within the restricted area:

 i. no person shall consume alcohol in any public place, a public place being any place to which the public or any section of the public has access on payment or otherwise, as of right or by virtue of express or implied permission;

ii. no person shall urinate or defecate in any public place which is not a public convenience.

Inconsiderate and inappropriate use of a motor vehicle

After careful consideration and an extensive period of consultation Breckland have introduced a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to address the inappropriate and inconsiderate vehicle use causing vehicle-related anti-social behaviour. 

This order comes into force on Tuesday 8th April 2025, for an initial period of three years, after which time it will be reviewed. 

Restrictions within the order include:

a. Unnecessarily sounding motor vehicle horns (otherwise than in accordance with the Highway Code), in a manner causing or being likely to cause a nuisance or annoyance to people in the locality.

b. Playing amplified music in or near or powered from a motor vehicle at an excessive volume, causing or likely to cause a nuisance or annoyance to people in the locality.

c. Unnecessary revving of a motor vehicle engine causing or likely to cause a nuisance or annoyance to people in the locality.

d. Driving at an excessive speed or being likely to cause a nuisance and/or danger to persons in the locality of the restricted area.

e. Racing motor vehicles or gathering for the purpose of street racing

f. When driving a motor vehicle causing repeated, sudden and/or rapid acceleration and deceleration

g. Performing stunts (including but not limited to performing doughnuts, skidding, drifting, handbrake turns, wheel spinning, burn outs).

h. Using loud and/or threatening and/or abusive language causing or likely to cause a nuisance or annoyance to people in the locality.

i. Throws down, drops, or otherwise deposits litter from a motor vehicle and leaves it.

j. Engaging in, encouraging, or assisting activities or other mechanically propelled vehicle related nuisance causing or likely to cause a danger to the public or is likely to cause noise, harassment, alarm, distress, or detrimental impact.

k. Aiding, abetting, counselling, procuring or taking part in the organisation of the above whether or not any intended event takes place

Failure to comply with the PSPO could result in a fixed penalty notice of £100 or a court summons. Police and other authorised personnel will be able to issue fixed penalty notices.

The order comes as part of Norfolk Constabulary's Operation Octane campaign, which was launched to prevent, deter and tackle anti-social behaviour involving the use of vehicles. More information about Operation Octane is available on theNorfolk Constabulary website (opens new window) 

Full details of these orders can be found in the links below.