Public Spaces Protection Order

Reading Borough Council is consulting on a Public Spaces Protection Order for the whole borough.

A Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) is a power under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. It is intended to allow a council to deal with a particular nuisance or problem behaviours that are detrimental to the local community’s quality of life in a particular area. It allows councils to impose either restrictions or requirements in that particular area, or blanket restrictions that will apply to everyone. They are designed to ensure the law-abiding majority can use and enjoy public spaces safe from anti-social behaviour. 

As part of this consultation we are proposing the following.

Thames Valley Police will carry the powers to enforce:

• On street begging – begging at any time within the entire borough is subject to enforcement.
• Street drinking – when drinking is causing nuisance or disorder in a public space, people will be required if asked to do so by the Police to stop drinking and hand over any containers believed to contain alcohol.
• Anti-social use of e-bikes and e-scooters in public spaces – currently all e-scooters are illegal to be ridden in a public space and, along with illegally modified e-bikes, can be dealt with through other Police powers. The PSPO would provide extra powers to stop riders who are purposely causing anxiety, distress or nuisance in public settings and tackle the worst behaviour.

Whilst legal and responsible e-bike usage is encouraged through Reading Borough Council’s transport strategy as a means of sustainable transport, the PSPO’s purpose is to take action against the anti-social behaviour of a small cohort of riders that cause distress in our communities. Therefore those using e-bikes in a safe, law-abiding way should not be concerned by the additional powers.

The PSPO would also give Reading Borough Council officers the power to enforce:

• Dog fouling – those in charge of dogs would be guilty of an offence should they not pick up after their dog.
• Dog control – those in charge of dogs would be guilty of an offence if they do not comply when directed by a Council officer to place and hold their dog on a lead.

Full details are within the consultation and we welcome your views. Associated FAQs can be found below, which you may wish to read prior to answering the consultation questions. The consultation closes on 7th September 2025.

Please contact CSP@reading.gov.uk if you have any questions.