Southampton City Council’s new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) has been signed off by Cabinet members. It will cover Portswood and 4 other areas of the city
Posted by Highfield Residents' Association on Nov 28, 2025 in Crime Incidents, News | 0 commentsWe understand that the PSPO will come into force once the signs have been installed. We understand that these must be in place prior to the powers going live.
‘Southampton City Council’s Cabinet has approved new Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) across five areas of the city. The PSPOs are designed to make Southampton safer for residents, workers, and visitors and address street drinking, aggressive begging, and drug and psychoactive substance.
Councils can use PSPOs to prohibit specific activities or require certain things to be done by people engaged in particular activities within a defined public area.
The PSPOs cover Shirley, Portswood, Bitterne, City Centre, and Woolston. Enforcement will be led by police officers, with Southampton City Council authorised to appoint additional officers. The new PSPOs will be in effect for three years, up to September 2028.
Southampton City Council’s decision follows feedback from the Safe City Survey. This revealed overwhelming support for the new measures, with 93% backing controls on street drinking, and 97% supporting action on aggressive begging and drug use.
While enforcement is a priority, Southampton City Council emphasises education and support for those affected by substance use and homelessness. Fixed penalty notices may be issued, but the focus remains on helping individuals access services and support.
New signage will be installed across the five areas, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Safer Streets Fund. Southampton City Council will continue to work with partners to monitor the impact of the PSPOs and ensure Southampton remains a safe and welcoming city for all.’
