Enhanced enforcement to tackle nuisance behaviour

After a period of public consultation, increased enforcement of new measures in coastal and open spaces is set to crack down on nuisance behaviours such as open fires and public urination.

Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) will help to enhance Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole’s (BCP) coastal and open spaces so they can be enjoyed safely by everyone.

BCP Council introduced Coastal and Open Spaces PSPOs to boost public safety, tackle anti-social behaviour and protect natural environments.

These orders place restrictions and requirements on potentially harmful activities within designated public areas to ensure they remain safe and enjoyable spaces.

The PSPOs work in conjunction with existing by-laws to help tackle and manage issues such as anti-social behaviour and drinking alcohol in public places.

PSPOs allow council officers to issue immediate fines without the need for court proceedings, take direct action within the designated area to stop prohibited behaviours, and confiscate goods, such as alcohol, which are contributing to any violation of PSPO conditions.

The orders can be modified to target issues in specific areas, and empower a wider range of personnel, including BCP Council’s Seafront and Parks staff, to ensure versatile enforcement.

The Coastal PSPO spans the full 15 miles of our region’s coastline, covering areas such as Highcliffe, Sandbanks and Bournemouth beaches. 

The Open Spaces PSPO covers designated parks and green spaces across the conurbation, including Kings Park, Bournemouth; St Catherine’s Hill, Christchurch; and Ham Common, Poole.

The conditions of each PSPO, which must be observed inside of the respective ‘designated area’, include…

 

Coastal PSPO

• No person shall be, or encourage others to be, aggressive towards other persons

• Reduce the volume of music when requested by an authorised officer

• No person will urinate or defecate anywhere other than a public toilet

• No person shall light an open fire at any time
• No person shall use a barbecue between the hours of 7am and 6pm

 

Open Spaces PSPO

• No person shall place, throw or drop anything likely to cause a fire

• No person shall light a fire or barbeque (including a disposable barbecue)

• No person shall use any item which either causes a naked flame or poses a fire risk

 

PSPOs are enforced year-round by authorised BCP Council and Dorset Police Officers.

Breaking the conditions of a PSPO within the designated area could result in a £100 fixed penalty notice (FPN) being issued, reduced to £75 if paid within 14 days.

Councillor Kieron Wilson, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Regulatory Services at BCP Council, said:

"We use Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) to impose conditions and restrictions in areas where disruptive activities may harm people’s wellbeing or quality of life.

“PSPOs empower authorised BCP Council and Dorset Police Officers to effectively address these issues so our communities can continue to enjoy all of our public spaces safely.”

Coastal and Open Spaces PSPOs will remain effective year-round for at least three years, until midnight on 6 November 2026.

 

Coastal Area Public Spaces Protection Order (including map of designated areas) - Coastal Area Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) (bcpcouncil.gov.uk)

Open Spaces Public Spaces Protection Order (including map of designated areas) - Open Spaces Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) (bcpcouncil.gov.uk)