The Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 gives local authorities the right to issue public space protection orders. The powers provide additional tools to challenge persistent and unreasonable behaviour that is having a detrimental impact on the community.
Following consultation with residents, an area covering a part of Woking town centre has been identified suitable for the implementation of a public space protection order (PSPO).
A PSPO makes it an offence to drink alcohol or consume any other psychoactive substance, such as nitrous oxide, within a defined boundary, if asked by an authorised officer to stop.
A requirement can also be made to surrender any other alcohol or psychoactive substance in an individual’s possession, including any sealed containers. Failure to comply with any such requirement would be a criminal offence.
This order does not prevent any member of the public from drinking responsibly within the mapped area, for example as part of a picnic.
Failure to comply with the request of an authorised officer can result in a fixed penalty notice (FPN) being issued or a fine of up to £1,000 on conviction.
The order will remain in place for three years, after which a full review will take place with a view to a further extension, taking the views of the community into consideration once again.
View the Woking town centre PSPO
View the Woking town centre PSPO boundary map
View the Woking town centre PSPO public notice
View the Woking town centre PSPO consultation results
View the Woking town centre PSPO enforcement strategy
Contact
For more information, contact our antisocial behaviour officer.