Southampton Council Introduces New Public Space Protection Orders to Boost City Safety

Southampton City Council has approved new Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) across five key areas of the city, aiming to make Southampton safer for residents, workers, and visitors. The measures target street drinking, aggressive begging, and drug or psychoactive substance use.

The PSPOs, which cover Shirley, Portswood, Bitterne, the City Centre, and Woolston, will be in effect for three years, until September 2028. Enforcement will be led by police officers, with the council authorised to appoint additional officers if needed. While fines may be issued, the council emphasises education and support, helping individuals access services for substance use or homelessness.

The decision follows feedback from the Safe City Survey, which revealed strong public backing: 93% supported controls on street drinking, and 97% backed action on aggressive begging and drug use.

New signage funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Safer Streets Fund will be installed across the five areas to inform the public of the rules. The council will continue to work with partners to monitor the impact of the PSPOs and ensure Southampton remains a safe and welcoming city for everyone.