Police remind people of the rules of public space protection orders

Police have warned people about the locations and rules around Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO) that exist in all of the main towns in the South Hams. 

PSPOs are one of a number of powers introduced by the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. There is one in Ivybridge, Kingsbridge, Dartmouth, Totnes and Salcombe. 

They are "designed to deal with a particular nuisance or problem in an area which is having a detrimental effect on the quality of life" of those in the community.

A spokesperson for Kingsbridge Police said: "A polite reminder that in a number of areas across the South Hams, Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO) are in place.

"In short, the PSPO allows officers to disrupt groups or individuals who are causing a nuisance and includes powers to seize alcohol or instruct those drinking to stop. The powers are not designed to ban drinking altogether, as long as it is peaceful and not disruptive to others.  

"Bottom line is - if you are drinking in a PSPO area and causing, or likely to cause a nuisance to others, your behaviour will be addressed with fines or convictions a possibility. Let's ensure we all enjoy these areas this summer by acting responsibly and respectfully of others."

[See images at the bottom for areas of PSPO in the South Hams]

Why impose restrictions?

A PSPO is designed to stop individuals or groups committing anti-social behaviour in a public space which is having or is likely to have a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those in the area.

The behaviour must be persistent or continuing nature and must be unreasonable.

A PSPO is not a ban on drinking alcohol and the powers do not intend to disrupt peaceful activities for example, families having a picnic in a park with a glass of wine. However, it is an offence to fail to comply with a request to cease drinking or surrender alcohol in a designated area.

What happens if I breach the order?

A person found to be in breach of the order will be liable to pay a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) of £100 or to a maximum penalty of £500 on summary conviction.

The order came into force on 18 October 2021. It will be reviewed in three years time, 2024.

Totnes 

Salcombe 

Ivybridge

Kingsbridge 

Dartmouth