Proposal to extend a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in parts of Hatfield

A PSPO is intended to deal with behaviours and problems that are considered to be detrimental to the local community’s quality of life. A PSPO imposes prohibitions or restrictions on the use of that public place to stop individuals or groups committing anti-social behaviour.

In 2017 and 2018, a consultation took place with local businesses, residents and visitors to Hatfield town centre which resulted in the implementation of a PSPO.

This consultation is a review of the current PSPO and will help inform us whether you feel the PSPO should be extended and/or modified in any way. It will also help us to determine whether you think that if the PSPO was not in place, the area would deteriorate.

Street drinking: the consumption of alcohol in a public place or being in possession of an open vessel(s) of alcohol in a public place.

Begging: approaching another person either verbally or through action in order to beg from the other person. Loitering at or within ten metres of any pay machine (including banks, supermarkets and car parks) 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.

Rough sleeping: sleeping in any public place which is or includes: open to the air, within a vehicle for a sustained period, within a car park or in a non-fixed structure including a caravan or tent without the prior permission of the owner or occupier of the land.

Public urination & Defecation: Urinating and defecating in a public place is against the PSPO as well as a criminal offence.

Consultation aims and further information
The aim of this consultation is to understand in more detail any concerns you may have and hear your views on whether or not a PSPO is the right solution to address any concerns and/or tackle local issues.

For more information about extending the current PSPO, please refer to the consultation leaflet or FAQ sheet which is available at: one.welhat.gov.uk/pspo