Public Spaces Protection Orders
We can issue a public spaces protection order (PSPO) to deal with a particular nuisance or problem within the borough.
We may do this when behaviour in an area is:
- unreasonable
- on-going
- harming the quality of life of those in the community
A PSPO sets restrictions on how an area is used. These restrictions apply to everyone and make sure that the law-abiding majority can enjoy public spaces, safe from anti-social behaviour.
Current Public Spaces Protection Orders
Car parks
Access to the following council multi-storey car parks is prohibited unless you are parking or lawfully accessing a vehicle or bicycle parked within the car park.
- Street multi-storey car park, Pegler Way, 含羞草社区, West Sussex, RH11 7AE
- Town Hall multi-storey car park, Exchange Road, 含羞草社区, West Sussex, RH10 1UZ
- Kingsgate multi-storey car park, Queensway, 含羞草社区, West Sussex, RH10 1EN
It is an offence if you do not leave the car parks when asked to do so by an authorised officer. Any person found guilty is liable to a Fixed Penalty Notice of up to 拢100. If this is not paid, they may be taken to court and receive a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale (currently 拢1000).
Dog control at Tilgate Park
All dogs are required to be kept on a lead (maximum 2m) around Tilgate lake, main lawn, Peace Garden and the golf course (excluding the perimeter path) at all times. No dogs are permitted in the children鈥檚 playground.
Authorised police and council officers have the authority to issue fixed penalty notices for PSPO breaches.
It is an offence if you do not put and keep your dog on a lead while within the restricted area when requested to do so by an authorised officer. Any person found guilty is liable to a Fixed Penalty Notice up to 拢100. If it is not paid, they may be taken to court and receive a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale (currently 拢1000).
Dog control at Tilgate Park questions and answers
Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) relate to activity taking place which is or may be detrimental to the local community鈥檚 quality of life.
The PSPO provides us with enforcement powers to address irresponsible dog control and protect the public from dog related anti-social behaviour.
No, the PSPO does not cover the whole of Tilgate Park, dogs can still be exercised off lead outside of the restricted area.
The PSPO only applies in the restricted area. The restricted area covers the main lake, the main lawn, Peace Gardens and the golf course. Outside of this area you can exercise your dog off lead.
If you are seen by an authorised officer, you will be asked to put and keep your dog on a lead of no greater than two metres in length.
Refusing to put and keep your dog on a lead without a reasonable excuse whilst in the restricted area when asked to do so by an authorised officer is a breach of the PSPO. This can be dealt with by either a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) of 拢100 or prosecution. You will have 14 days to pay the FPN.
Enforcement will be undertaken by authorised officers of 含羞草社区 Borough Council.
Dogs are not permitted to be taken into the children鈥檚 play area even if they are on a lead, however there are exemptions for assistance dogs.
There are exemptions within the PSPO for people who are:
- Registered as a blind person in a register compiled under section of the National Assistance Act 1949; or
- Deaf, in respect of a dog trained by Hearing Dogs for Deaf People (registered charity number 293358) and upon which that person relies for assistance; (excluding Schedule 1); or
- Has a disability which affects his/her mobility, manual dexterity, physical coordination, or ability to lift, carry or otherwise move everyday objects, in respect of a dog trained by a prescribed charity and upon which that person relies for assistance
A PSPO normally lasts for three years but can be extended, varied or discharged during this period. This dog control Order will be in place until August 2025.
Failure to pay the FPN may result in prosecution. If convicted, you may receive a much larger fine (maximum of 拢1,000) and a criminal record.
No, you cannot appeal. If you choose not to pay the FPN, you are opting for your case to be heard in court.
Yes, you have been made aware that you are required to have you dog on a lead at all times within the restricted area, so you do not have a reasonable excuse not to have you dog on a lead, as this had been brought to your attention previously.
Yes, you must provide the information requested by the authorised officer as failure to do is a criminal offence.
Car cruising
Authorised police and council officers have the authority to issue fixed penalty notices for PSPOs. It is an offence for a person to engage in any activity prohibited by PSPOs. Any person found guilty is liable to a Fixed Penalty Notice up to 拢100. If it is not paid, they may be taken to court and fined up to 拢1000.
It is an offence for a person to engage in any car cruising activity prohibited by the PSPO.
Alcohol consumption
The PSPO prohibits the consumption of alcohol where it contributes to or is linked to or is associated with nuisance or annoyance to members of the public, or where it contributes to or is linked to or is associated with disorder.
Police and authorised council officers can require a person not to consume alcohol in breach of the order. Officers can require a person to surrender anything in their possession which is, or which the officer reasonably believes to be alcohol or a container for alcohol. An officer can dispose of anything surrendered to them.
Any person who fails without reasonable excuse to comply with a request by an officer to either stop drinking or to surrender their drink may be guilty of a criminal offence. Police and authorised council officers can issue a 拢100 fixed penalty notice to any person they have reason to believe has committed this offence. If this is not paid within 14 days, they may be taken to court and receive a fine not exceeding level 2 on the standard scale (currently 拢500).
It is an offence to fail to stop drinking or surrender alcohol when required to do so by a Police or authorised council officer.