Revised Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) aimed at tackling various forms of anti-social behaviour, have been agreed by Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council.
The orders are designed to protect shared spaces across the borough and help address behaviour that has a negative impact on local communities.
The updated PSPOs largely continue measures that have already been in place for several years and are familiar to many residents. These orders remain an important tool in helping the council address behaviour that can have a detrimental impact on communities and local environments.
Most of the PSPO restrictions are unchanged and apply across the borough or at specific locations. These include:
- Dog fouling controls and a requirement to clean up after dogs
- Exclusion of dogs from children’s play areas
- Powers to require dogs to be kept on leads where necessary
- Alcohol restrictions where an authorised officer asks a person to stop drinking
- Restrictions on public urination and defecation
- Controls on the use of drones from council-owned open spaces
- Restrictions on vehicles parking on public open spaces
- Existing site‑specific rules covering unauthorised barbecues, camping, swimming, boating and dog controls at country parks, sports grounds and other locations
These long‑standing measures help ensure public spaces can be enjoyed safely and responsibly by everyone.
Two new or amended restrictions have been introduced in response to emerging issues and ongoing concerns:
- A new restriction preventing unauthorised camping in Tonbridge Memorial Gardens
- A borough‑wide ban on the possession of catapults or slingshots and associated projectiles in public spaces
The revised PSPOs also reinforce the council’s powers to address nuisance associated with unauthorised car and motorcycle meetings, an issue that continues to generate complaints from residents.
Under the order, it is an offence to organise, take part in or attend these gatherings where activity causes, or is likely to cause, nuisance, alarm, distress or disruption to the local area. This includes excessive engine revving, racing, stunts, loud music and dangerous driving.
Importantly, the restrictions also apply to spectators and those who encourage or facilitate this behaviour. Fixed penalty notices of £100 may be issued to anyone found breaching the order, with further action taken where necessary.
Public Space Protection Orders are not intended to penalise responsible residents. They are designed to protect public spaces and provide officers with proportionate powers to deal with persistent anti-social behaviour when it occurs.
Cllr Des Keers, cabinet member for community services, said: “Public Space Protection Orders help us protect the places that residents value and enjoy every day. Most people already behave responsibly, but these measures allow us to take firm action where a small minority cause nuisance or distress to others. By updating the PSPOs, we are making sure we can continue to respond effectively to issues such as nuisance vehicle gatherings while keeping our approach fair and proportionate.”
Residents are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the updated PSPOs, which include both borough‑wide and site‑specific measures.