Welwyn Garden City PSPO

On 1 April 2024 a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) was introduced to parts of Welwyn Garden City. View the map of the area that this PSPO covers.

The PSPO aims to prevent anti-social behaviour and ensure everyone enjoys our shared spaces.

The PSPO places restrictions on certain activities, including:

• Consuming alcohol in a public place.
• Possessing an open vessel(s) of alcohol in a public place.
• Approaching another person in order to beg.
• Loitering at or within ten metres of any cash machine, unless waiting legitimately to use the machine for the purpose it is designed for.
• Sitting on the ground in a public place, street, highway or passage in a manner that may be perceived that you are inviting people to give you money.
• Urinating or defecating in a public place.

What are the penalties?

Fixed Penalty Notices of up to £75 can be issued for breaches and persistent offenders can be prosecuted and fined up to £1,000.

Homelessness / rough sleeping

The PSPO also places restrictions on rough sleeping, prohibiting:

• Sleeping in any public place which is or includes;
  • open to the air
  • within a vehicle for a sustained period
  • within a car park
  • a non-fixed structure including a caravan or a tent without the prior written consent of the owner or occupier of the land

However our main focus remains on outreach work to support anyone who is vulnerable and in need.

If you see someone sleeping rough, please report it online via StreetLink.

If you are homeless, or are at risk of becoming homeless, we can offer a range of advice and support. Please speak to us as soon as possible on 01707 357 613 or housingoptions@welhat.gov.uk.

Report anti-social behaviour

To report anti-social behaviour, or a breach of the PSPO restrictions, please call the police non-emergency number, 101.