08/09/25
In 2021, Westminster Council implemented a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO). This PSPO covers most of St James's ward, Knightsbridge and Belgravia, and was renewed in December 2024 for a further three years. It was imposed by the council to try to prevent anti-social vehicle use in the area, especially over the summer period, when the council sees an increase in supercars being used due to the influx of tourists in the area.
It has recently been proposed by Westminster Council to expand these measures to deter anti-social behaviour to Soho and Mayfair and it is looking likely, if implemented, that the PSPO will be renewed until 2028. The PSPO would be expanded to deter anti-social behaviour, including engine revving and car racing. This expansion proposal has come about, largely as a response to issues on Bond Street, where, between April 2023 and June 2025, there were 33 reported car meets.
The specific activities it has been recommended that the expanded PSPO should cover include revving engines, sudden or rapid acceleration, car racing, performing stunts, sounding horns, playing music from a vehicle, obstructing roads, and threatening and intimidating behaviour.
Since implementation in 2021, Westminster Council has reported that they have handed out 368 fixed penalty notices for breaches of the PSPO.
What is a PSPO?
PSPOs were introduced under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. They are a tool by which councils can address anti-social behaviour in their local area. Councils can use PSPOs to prohibit specific activities, and/or require certain things to be done by people engaging in particular activities, within a defined public area. Ultimately, the aim of a PSPO is to allow local areas to counter unreasonable and persistent behaviour that affects the quality of life of its residents. A breach of a PSPO without a reasonable excuse is an offence.
A PSPO can last for up to 3 years, after which it must be reviewed. If the review supports an extension and other requirements are satisfied, it may be extended for up to a further three years. There is no limit on the number of times an Order may be reviewed and renewed.
Punishment for Breach
A breach of a PSPO allows the council and police to issue a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN). FPN is a notice giving an individual the opportunity to pay a fee to avoid being prosecuted.
This FPN will be issued to the person engaging in the anti-social behaviour, typically the driver. However, if the driver can’t be identified on the spot, then the FPN is sent to the registered owner of the vehicle. The owner of the vehicle will then be obligated to provide the driver’s details to the authorities if it was not them engaging in the alleged conduct.
This specific PSPO will allow the council and police to issue Fixed Penalty Notices for specified anti-social actions in the designated area between 12pm and 6am, with a maximum fine of £100.
There is no limit to the number of FPNs that can be issued for breach of PSPO as each violation is treated as a separate offence. But there is a chance that multiple offending can lead to escalating penalties.
How to challenge a FPN
If you have received a FPN from the council and you think it has been issued in error or you do not agree that you committed the offence on the notice, you may be able to challenge it.
You can challenge this directly with the authority that gave you the notice by providing evidence to them as to why you should not have received the notice. Alternatively, if your challenge is rejected by the authority, then you can choose not to pay the penalty and defend your case in court.
However, it is worth noting before taking the case to court, that if you are found guilty, there is a chance you will have to pay more.
What to do if issued a FPN
If you have been issued a FPN correctly, and do not wish to challenge it, then you need to ensure you pay the FPN within the lime limit given by the authority. If you do not pay the FPN, it will be assumed it is being challenged and the authority can take you to court.
However, if you have been found in breach of a PSPO and wish to challenge FPN then please contact Roe Lawyers for help and advice. We have represented and helped many clients who challenge Fixed penalty Notices.