Richmond Council is increasing fines for breaches of Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) from £80 to £100, with a reduced rate of £75 if paid within 10 days. The orders, which ban activities such as flying unauthorised drones, urinating or defecating in public, and smoking in parks, are set to be extended until 2029.
Council extends PSPOs until 2029
The council's Regulatory Committee approved a three-year extension of the PSPOs on June 23, with a final decision expected at a Full Council meeting on July 14. If approved, the new fines and extension will come into force in September, replacing the current orders that expire on September 21. The PSPOs have been in place since 2017.
Activities restricted under the order
The antisocial behaviour PSPO prohibits drinking alcohol after being asked to stop by an authorised person, flying drones or planting trees without prior consent in public spaces, and urinating or defecating in all open spaces. It also bans smoking cigarettes or illegal drugs in parks and open spaces, as well as lighting a fire or barbecue, releasing sky lanterns, and setting off fireworks without council permission. Feeding birds or animals in a way likely to cause nuisance or attract vermin is also restricted.
The dog control PSPO requires owners to remove dog poo, put dogs on a lead in certain places, keep dogs out of specified areas, and take a maximum of four dogs on a walk at any one time unless licensed to walk more.
Enforcement and public support
Matt Almond, Richmond's Parks Service Manager, said consultation feedback showed "strong support for renewing the orders, alongside clear evidence that residents continue to experience the types of antisocial behaviour and dog control issues the orders are designed to address." He added: "The orders remain necessary and proportionate and they play an important role in keeping our parks and open spaces safe and welcoming."
From September 2023 to December 2025, the council issued 1,286 warnings, 388 fines, and made six successful prosecutions for PSPO breaches. Non-payment can lead to prosecution, with fines up to £1,000 or £500 for alcohol-related offences.
