Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO's)

PSPOs were introduced under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 as a means to tackle anti-social behaviour.  They are designed to deal with a particular nuisance or problem in a specific area that is having a detrimental effect on the quality of life of the local community.  This is achieved by imposing conditions on the use of that area that apply to everyone.  They are intended to help ensure that the law abiding majority can use and enjoy public spaces, safe from anti-social behaviour.

Failure to comply with a prohibition or requirement within the order is an offence and a defendant can face a fine of up to £1000 (£500 for offences involving the consumption of alcohol) in the Magistrate’s Court. Breaches of the order can also be discharged by use of a fixed penalty notice, up to £100.  The Council has adopted an enforcement plan to discharge its duties in one of three ways: written warnings, fixed penalty notices and prosecution.  

PSPOs cannot be in effect for more than 3 years, unless they are formally extended.  An order can be extended for a further period of up to 3 years if the Council is satisfied on reasonable grounds that it is necessary to prevent occurrence, reoccurrence or an increase in the frequency or seriousness of the activities identified in the order.  PSPOs can be varied by increasing or decreasing the restricted area and by altering or removing a prohibition or requirement in the order, or adding a new one.  The Council may also decide to discharge a PSPO  if it is no longer considered necessary. 

The Council has PSPOs in place for the following areas in the Vale:

Buckingham Town Centre
In the restricted area, see Buckingham Town Centre PSPO, any person who fails to comply with an authorised officer or police constable’s request (a) not to consume or (b) to surrender alcohol in their possession commits an offence.

The order was automatically converted from a Designated Public Place Orders on 20 October 2017 and must be reviewed prior to its expiration in October 2020.

Winslow and Steeple Claydon

In the restricted areas, see Winslow and Steeple Claydon PSPO, any person who fails to comply with an authorised officer or police constable’s request (a) not to consume or (b) to surrender alcohol in their possession commits an offence.

The order was automatically converted from a Designated Public Place Orders on 20 October 2017 and must be reviewed prior to its expiration in October 2020.

Parks and Open Spaces

In the restricted areas, see the Parks and Open Spaces PSPO, any person who fails to comply with an authorised officer or police constable’s request (a) not to consume or (b) to surrender alcohol in their possession commits an offence.

The order was automatically converted from a Designated Public Place Orders on 20 October 2017 and must be reviewed prior to its expiration in October 2020.

The order was varied on 9 September 2019 to include an additional prohibition on the use of mechanically propelled vehicles in a way that has caused or may be capable of causing nuisance and/or annoyance in the specified restricted areas*.