Council launches new powers to tackle anti-social behaviour

New Public Spaces Protection Order launches today across all of Reading

A clampdown on anti-social behaviour in Reading is launched today with the introduction of a new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO).

Introduced in partnership by Reading Borough Council and Thames Valley Police, the order provides additional powers to tackle the specific anti-social behaviours that residents said they wanted to see addressed.

Dog control, dog fouling, alcohol-related anti-social behaviour, aggressive begging and anti-social use of e-bikes and e-scooters will all be targeted.

Order gives police and council additional powers to tackle anti-social behaviours

The PSPO is a preventative measure. It lets officers ask people to stop before a breach occurs, but if someone continues after being asked to stop they can be issued a fixed penalty notice.

This would be a fine of £100. This is an alternative to prosecution, which carries a maximum fine of £1,000.

The five conditions being enforced

On-street begging (TVP-led)

A person must not engage in begging in any public place in a manner that is reasonably perceived to be aggressive, intimidating, or causes harassment, alarm or distress.

Alcohol-related anti-social behaviour (TVP-led)

No person shall refuse to stop drinking or refuse to hand over any containers (sealed or unsealed) believed to contain alcohol when required to do so by an authorised officer to prevent nuisance or disorder.

Dog fouling (council-led)

A person in charge of a dog will be guilty of an offence should they not pick up after their dog. Being unaware of the fouling or not having an appropriate means to remove it won't be deemed a reasonable excuse for failing to remove it.

Dog control (council-led)

A person in charge of a dog shall be guilty of an offence if at any time they do not comply with a direction given them by an authorised officer of the Council to put and hold the dog on a lead.

Anti-social use of e-scooters and e-bikes (TVP-led)

No person shall ride or operate an electric scooter or any type of electric bike in an anti-social manner which is reckless, malicious or dangerous, or causes significant harassment, alarm or distress to any person. Any person doing so may be subject to enforcement and, if requested by a police officer, the rider must dismount.

Comments on the changes

Karen Rowland, Chair – Community Safety Partnership and Lead Councillor for Environmental Services and Community Safety, said:

“We know from the consultation which took place last summer that residents are understandably demanding action on things like street drinking, dog fouling and the dangerous use of electric bikes and scooters. The introduction of the PSPO today hands additional powers to both the Council and our police colleagues.

“It is a really positive step for residents which hopefully provides some reassurance that we have heard their concerns and are providing Officers the tools needed to act on them. In simple terms, this is about making Reading a more enjoyable place for everyone.

“We’ve already taken tough action over the last six months to clamp down on mindless littering and fly tipping. Our new trial Environmental Enforcement Partnership has seen over 1,300 fines handed out for these offences that unnecessarily and selfishly impact the enjoyment of our open spaces for others. This PSPO is yet another way we can deter the minority from ruining it for everyone else.

“I want to reassure the responsible users of legal e-bikes that we fully support their use of sustainable, active travel around the town for the sake of the environment, and it is only those who use electric powered cycles or scooters in a manner that causes distress or alarm to others who will feel the effect of this PSPO.”

Inspector James Tribe from Thames Valley Police said:

“The introduction of this Public Spaces Protection Order in Reading will be a valuable addition to our efforts to keep the borough safe. It enhances and complements the powers already available to my officers, enabling a more agile response to persistent anti‑social behaviour that impacts our communities. By working alongside existing legislation, the PSPO strengthens our ability to intervene early and ensure that our public spaces remain safe and welcoming for everyone.”