An entire London borough could soon be placed under a sweeping anti-social behaviour crackdown, giving council officers and police expanded powers to intervene across public spaces. Havering Council is consulting on replacing the existing Romford public space protection order with a borough-wide PSPO covering the whole of Havering. £100 fines could be issued across Havering The proposed order would allow council and Metropolitan Police officers to issue £100 fixed penalty notices for a range of offences. Targeted behaviour would include drinking in public, aggressive begging and the “antisocial use” of bicycles, mopeds, e-scooters and e-bikes. Dog fouling, irresponsible dog ownership and public urination or defecation would also fall under the restrictions. Groups causing nuisance or criminal behaviour and people using face coverings to conceal their identity while committing anti-social behaviour could also face action. Busking and public speaking face restrictions The proposed powers would go further, potentially restricting amplified street entertainment, busking, public speaking and feeding wildlife in public spaces. Anyone refusing to pay a fixed penalty could be taken to court and face a fine of up to £1,000. The current Romford PSPO is due to expire in October, with the proposed borough-wide order intended to replace it. Reform-led council vows tougher action Councillor Terry Brown, Havering’s cabinet member for public protection, said the vast majority of residents and visitors behaved responsibly but insisted nuisance and distress caused by a minority would not be tolerated. “Anyone found carrying out antisocial behaviour will face strong action in Havering,” he said. The consultation is now open until October 23 and will ask residents and businesses whether they have experienced anti-social behaviour and whether they believe the proposed restrictions would help. The move could dramatically expand the area in which authorities can use enforcement powers — turning a crackdown focused on Romford into a borough-wide test of how far councils should go to control behaviour in public spaces. Entire London borough could be covered by anti-social behaviour order
