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Public Spaces Protection Orders

Public Spaces Protection Orders 

Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) have been introduced by the Government to help us tackle anti-social behaviour locally, so that public spaces can be enjoyed by everyone. 

Draft Guildford Town Centre Public Spaces Protection Order, 2025 

We have a town centre PSPO. It is in place to tackle persistent anti-social behaviour which is affecting others. The current PSPO was agreed in March 2022 and will be reviewed in March 2025.

This is the proposed PSPO for 2025: Boundary map (PDF, 284 KB)

Have your say (opens new window)

Locations

The boundary for the PSPO covers: 

  • the town centre 

  • Stoke Park and some neighbouring residential roads 

  • The Mount (residential area and green open space), including Black Cat Alley. 

Behaviours

It is proposed that the following behaviours are not allowed within the PSPO boundary: 

1. Alcohol 

  • Consumption of alcohol following a verbal warning by an authorised person to stop

2. Rowdy and inconsiderate behaviour 

Behaving or encouraging others to behave in an anti-social way, which is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to others, this includes: 

  • Intentionally shouting or screaming. 

  • Using foul, abusive or threatening language.  

  • Wearing a piece of clothing with the intent to obscure or hide his/her identity for the purposes of committing crime and/or anti-social behaviour. 

  • Dangerous or anti-social use of vehicles, including: bicycles, skateboards or scooters in pedestrianised areas. 

  • Joining or remaining in a group of 2 or more people which is acting in a manner that is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to any person. 

  • Urinating in public. 

Enforcement 

The town centre PSPO is enforced by 

  • Police officers 
  • PCSOs  
  • Guildford Borough Council Compliance Officers. 

Those breaching the conditions will be told about the PSPO and asked to change their behaviour. 

Fines and Community Protection Warnings may be issued to those who ignore warnings and keep breaching the conditions.  

Reporting anti-social behaviour 

For advice and support on anti-social behaviour, see our anti-social behaviour pages.