Public spaces protection orders
We use public spaces protection orders (PSPOs) to look after public areas where anti-social behaviours are a problem.
Under an order, we can introduce conditions for a particular area. It is a criminal offence to engage in the prohibited behaviours within that area, without reasonable excuse. Anyone caught by a police officer or other authorised person may receive a fixed penalty notice of up to £100 or be prosecuted - if convicted you could face a fine of up to £1,000.
Under orders restricting the consumption of alcohol in public places, a police officer or other authorised person may require you to stop drinking and hand over any alcohol for disposal. It is an offence not to do so, with a maximum fine on conviction of £500. Fixed penalty notices of up to £100 may also be issued. These orders will not affect the use of licensed pub beer gardens or event sites.
We work with District Enforcement - a company that specialises in enviro-crime enforcement - to issue Fixed Penalty Notices. Find out more about District Enforcement.
Making an order
We can make a PSPO to prohibit specified behaviours, or require them to be carried out in certain ways, if:
- activities have been (or are likely to be) carried on in a public place, which have had a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those in the area
- the effect of the activities is persistent or continuing in nature, makes the activities unreasonable, and justifies the restrictions in the order
Before making, extending, varying or discharging orders we will hold a consultation. Details of these will be publicised. Consultations will include the police, the police and crime commissioner, community representatives, and owners/occupiers of land within the restricted area.
Current and proposed orders
The following PSPOs are currently in force in Dacorum or are proposed.
| Area included | Activities restricted | Next scheduled review date | Information and map(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hemel Hempstead town centre |
Cycling, skateboarding and use of e-scooters, spitting (including the discharge of chewing gum), urinating, defecating | 28 July 2025 |  Hemel Hempstead town centre PSPO (PDF 1MB) |
| Borough of Dacorum |
Dog fouling, dog control, exclusion of dogs in specified areas | 28 July 2025 | Borough of Dacorum dog PSPO (PDF 2MB) |
| Hemel Hempstead town centre, Gadebridge Park, Old Town, Randall Park | Consumption of alcohol in public places | 6 April 2024 | Hemel Hempstead town centre (north) (PDF 721KB) Hemel Hempstead town centre (south) (PDF 773KB) |
| Berkhamsted and Northchurch | Consumption of alcohol in public places | 6 April 2024 |
Berkhamsted and Northchurch (PDF 1MB) |
| Bovingdon | Consumption of alcohol in public places | 6 April 2024 |
Bovingdon (PDF 960KB) |
| Boxmoor | Consumption of alcohol in public places | 6 April 2024 |
Boxmoor (PDF 684KB) |
| Evans Wharf | Consumption of alcohol in public places | 6 April 2024 |
Evans Wharf (PDF 377KB) |
| Frogmore End, Durrants Hill Road | Consumption of alcohol in public places | 6 April 2024 |
Frogmore End, Durrants Hill (PDF 776KB) |
Challenging an order
Anyone who lives in an area covered by an order, or who regularly works in or visits the area, may challenge the validity of the order at the High Court. Such challenges must be made within six weeks of the date on which the order (or variation of an order) was made.