Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) – Now live in Portswood! The background; how it will be enforced and monitored; and what the objectives are

The recap below was taken from my Informal Notes of the PACT Meeting on 8.1.26 and also information received directly from Francesca Prior (SCC Service Manager, Community Safety). Apologies in advance if there are any errors.

I have included photos of PSPO signs in Portswood High Street below.

You can read my informal notes here: https://www.highfieldresidents.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/PACT-Meeting-8-January-2026-Informal-Notes.pdf

Now that the signs have been installed along Portswood High Street, the new Public Space Protection Order is live. This strengthened Order replaces the Order that lapsed at the end of April 2025, which only covered street drinking. It now also covers aggressive begging and drug and psychoactive substance use. The PSPO covers five areas of the city: Shirley, Bitterne, City Centre, Woolston and Portswood.

The Order lasts 3 years. The paperwork went live on 30 November 2025 and the Order will expire on 30 November 2028. It can be extended for a further 2 years after that period if there is evidence that it is working/is successful. Enforcement is by the SCC Community Safety team (of 4 people), who do regular patrols, and the police who work in partnership to use the additional powers to challenge those behaviours. The PSPO gives the police and the SCC Community Safety team powers to disperse people who are found to be breaking the PSPO. For the police, they have powers to remove alcohol from individuals. However, SCC staff are not able to do this. Both authorities will document when and where the powers are used and this data will be collected by Francesca Prior (SCC Service Manager, Community Safety) to enable her to understand if the powers are being used and how successful they are.

The objective is to reduce anti-social behaviour. While enforcement is a priority, they will mainly tackle this from an educational perspective to ensure that they are supporting those affected – helping individuals to access services and support. It’s trying to be as inclusive and supportive as possible. Tickets/fixed penalty notices may be given out.

Report incidents to the police and/or Community Safety:

https://www.highfieldresidents.org.uk/reporting-anti-social-behaviour-which-authority-to-
use/

NB The Order covers the area from Gordon Avenue (near Waitrose) to the junction of Portswood Road with Highfield Lane. It also covers St Denys Road from Portswood up to approximately Portswood Police Station, and also part of Westridge Road from Portswood.