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Public Space Protection Orders

Use this page to find out more about our current or proposed Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs).

What is a Public Space Protection Order?

The Anti-social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014 allows the Local Authority to introduce a Public Space Protection Order to prevent individuals or groups from committing anti-social behaviour in specific areas.

An Order can be used to address persistent, continuing and unreasonable behaviour and can also be used as a preventative measure for anti-social behaviour that is likely to occur within a designated area. Public Space Protection Orders are designed to ensure that the law-abiding majority can use and enjoy public spaces without experiencing ASB and they apply to everyone.

How are they used?

Public Space Protection Orders impose prohibitions or restrictions on activities in a specified area.

Powers to Enforce

Authorised Officers can enforce these prohibitions and the penalty for breaching the Order is as follows:

  • Breach of a PSPO is a criminal offence subject to, up to a level three fine on prosecution (up to £1,000).
  • A Fixed Penalty Notice can be issued for £100
  • Payment of the Fixed Penalty Notice discharges liability to conviction for the offence.
  • The Police will work in partnership with the Council to ensure the effective enforcement of a proposed PSPO.

Requirements of the PSPO

A person who is believed to have engaged in a breach of an Order is required to give their name and address to a police officer, police community support officer or other authorised person designated by the council.

Duration of a PSPO

The duration of a PSPO can be up to 3 years at which time they are reviewed, and a decision will be made about whether the PSPO is still fit for purpose. At this time, an application to extend or vary an application can be made.

Current Public Space Protection Orders

Proposed, in Public Consultation: Dog Fouling 

West Oxfordshire District Council has received over 60 reports of dog fouling in the past three years, and while education and signage have been used, the Council is seeking to introduce a more consistent and enforceable approach.

Residents, businesses and stakeholders across West Oxfordshire are invited to share their views on a proposed Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) relating to dog fouling.

The proposed PSPO will be in place for up to three years, subject to periodic review.

West Oxfordshire District Council is proposing to introduce a district-wide PSPO to strengthen its ability to tackle dog fouling, an issue that continues to generate complaints and negatively impacts the quality of life in our communities.

A PSPO provides local authorities with powers to address specific nuisances by prohibiting or restricting certain behaviours in public areas where they are having a detrimental effect on people’s day-to-day lives.

What the Proposed PSPO Covers:

The proposed PSPO would make it an offence for a person in charge of a dog to fail to remove dog faeces immediately from land to which the PSPO applies.

The PSPO would apply to all publicly accessible land across West Oxfordshire, including (but not limited to):

  • Parks and open spaces
  • Footpaths, pavements and highway verges
  • Play areas and sports grounds
  • Car parks
  • Cemeteries and churchyards

For the purposes of the Order, public places include any location where the public has access, whether by right, permission, or payment.

We are asking all consultees to submit their views on the proposed PSPO via an online survey. We need your opinions to help with:

  • Community Feedback: To understand the concerns and views of residents, local businesses, and other stakeholders in the proposed area about the necessity and scope of the PSPO. 
  • Impact Assessment: To assess the potential impact of the PSPO on local communities.

The consultation will run for 6 weeks, beginning on the 24 July 2026 and all comments must be received by 4 September 2026.

You can take the survey online. 

The proposed PSPO applies to the entire West Oxfordshire District, as shown on the map below. Your feedback will help the Council determine whether the proposed measures are proportionate, necessary and effective in addressing dog fouling across the district.

If you have any questions about the consultation, please contact: [email protected] 

Map showing areas where PSPO would apply

Pony and Trap Racing and Time Trials

West Oxfordshire District Council Executive approved the Public Space Protection Order 2025 on 17 December 2025. The Order begins on 1 January 2026 and will remain in place for three years.

This Order prohibits the use of pony and trap carriages for racing and time trials on a specified section of the A40 that extends from Downs Road Bridge in Witney to Asthall roundabout, Burford.

Any person who attempts to obstruct an authorised person in carrying out their duties under this Public Space Protection Order shall be committing an offence. Obstruction includes, but is not limited to, giving false information, physically obstructing an Authorised Person, and refusing to comply with any reasonable instruction given to ensure compliance with the PSPO.

The Order can be viewed below:

Pony and Trap PSPO 2025

© West Oxfordshire District Council 2026