Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO) allow us to deal with problems in public spaces that have a detrimental effect on your quality of life. They impose conditions on the use of that area so everyone can enjoy it and use it safely.
A PSPO is made under powers set down in the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
Public Consultation
Proposed Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for Colchester City Centre
Have your say
Colchester City Council is seeking views on a proposed new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for Colchester City Centre. The consultation is open to residents, businesses, organisations, workers and visitors who use the city centre.
The proposed Order is intended to help address anti-social behaviour that has a detrimental impact on the community and ensure that Colchester City Centre remains a safe, welcoming and enjoyable place for everyone.
Why are we consulting?
The current City Centre PSPO is due to expire in October 2026. Following a review of evidence relating to anti-social behaviour in the city centre, the Council is proposing a replacement Order.
The proposed PSPO has been comprehensively reviewed and redrafted. Several restrictions from the current Order are being retained where they continue to be necessary, while other provisions have been updated and clarified to ensure they remain effective, proportionate and easier to understand and enforce.
Before any decision is made, the Council wants to hear the views of those who live, work in and visit Colchester City Centre. Responses received during this consultation will help inform the Council's final decision.
What is a PSPO?
A Public Spaces Protection Order is a power available to local authorities under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. It allows councils to introduce restrictions or requirements in a defined public area where activities carried out have had, or are likely to have, a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those in the locality.
PSPOs are designed to address persistent anti-social behaviour while ensuring that any restrictions are reasonable, proportionate and balanced against individual rights and freedoms.
What is being proposed?
The proposed PSPO would apply within the designated City Centre area and includes measures to address:
- Public urination and defecation.
- Alcohol related anti-social behaviour.
- Drug related anti-social behaviour and drug paraphernalia.
- Aggressive or persistent solicitation.
- Obstruction associated with rough sleeping.
- Dangerous or nuisance use of bicycles, e scooters and similar devices.
- Unauthorised advertising, promotional and outreach activity.
- Advertising boards and A boards placed in the public highway.
- Unreasonable amplified noise causing nuisance or disturbance.
- Unauthorised Access to Buildings and Structures
The proposed Order would also provide authorised officers with powers to require individuals to stop prohibited behaviour and, where appropriate and proportionate, leave an area to prevent continued anti-social behaviour.
Human Rights, Equality and Safeguarding
The proposed PSPO has been drafted to ensure that enforcement is fair, proportionate and compliant with the Human Rights Act 1998 and Equality Act 2010. Authorised officers will be required to consider individual circumstances, including vulnerability, disability, mental health conditions, homelessness, substance dependency and safeguarding needs when exercising powers under the Order.
The purpose of the Order is to address behaviour that causes harassment, alarm, distress, nuisance, obstruction or disorder. It is not intended to criminalise poverty, homelessness, disability, ill health or other vulnerabilities.
Share your views
The current City Centre PSPO is due to expire and will be replaced by a new Order. We are seeking feedback on the proposed restrictions and wording of the draft PSPO to ensure the measures are clear, proportionate and effective. Responses received during the consultation will be considered before the final Order is implemented.
Consultation opens: 24th August 2026
Consultation closes: 7th September 2026
Complete the survey: Public Consultation: City Centre Public Space Protection Order (PSPO)
Email: asb@colchester.gov.uk
Telephone: 01206 282222
Read the draft PSPO inclusive of restricted area: Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO)
Police or accredited Council Officers can issue Fixed Penalty Notices of £100 or may prosecute anyone who does something that may cause the harm that an order is intended to prevent.
PSPOs in Colchester are listed below with copies of the original orders and documents showing the area in which each order operates.
Vehicle Anti-Social Behaviour
PSPO Vehicle Anti-Social Behaviour
Dog fouling
City Centre
Powered Watercraft
PSPO Powered watercraft
Find out more about the Protection Order to tackle Vehicular Nuisance in Colchester.