ENHANCED enforcement action is being taken to tackle ‘nuisance behaviour’ in the conurbation.

After a period of public consultation, increased enforcement of new measures in coastal and open spaces is set to crack down on behaviours such as aggression and public urination.

BCP Council has introduced Coastal and Open Spaces Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) with the aim of boosting public safety, tackling anti-social behaviour and protecting natural environments.

These orders place restrictions and requirements on 'potentially harmful' activities within designated public areas.

The PSPOs work in conjunction with existing by-laws to help tackle and manage issues such as anti-social behaviour and drinking alcohol in public places.

They allow council officers to issue immediate fines without the need for court proceedings, take direct action within the designated area to stop prohibited behaviours, and confiscate goods which are contributing to any violation of PSPO conditions.

The orders can be modified to target issues in specific areas, and empower a wider range of personnel, including BCP Council’s seafront and parks staff.

The Coastal PSPO spans the full 15 miles of the coastline, covering areas such as Highcliffe, Sandbanks and Bournemouth's beaches.

The Open Spaces PSPO covers designated parks and green spaces across the conurbation, including Kings Park in Bournemouth, St Catherine’s Hill in Christchurch and Ham Common in Poole.

The conditions of the Coastal PSPO include:

  • No person shall be, or encourage others to be, aggressive towards other persons
  • Reduce the volume of music when requested by an authorised officer
  • No person will urinate or defecate anywhere other than a public toilet
  • No person shall light an open fire at any time
  • No person shall use a barbecue between the hours of 7am and 6pm

The conditions of the Open Spaces PSPO include:

  • No person shall place, throw or drop anything likely to cause a fire
  • No person shall light a fire or barbeque (including a disposable barbecue)
  • No person shall use any item which either causes a naked flame or poses a fire risk PSPOs are enforced year-round by authorised BCP Council and Dorset Police Officers.

Breaking the conditions of a PSPO within the designated area could result in a £100 fixed penalty notice being issued, reduced to £75 if paid within 14 days.

Councillor Kieron Wilson, portfolio holder for housing and regulatory services at BCP Council, said: "We use PSPOs to impose conditions and restrictions in areas where disruptive activities may harm people’s wellbeing or quality of life.

“PSPOs empower authorised BCP Council and Dorset Police Officers to effectively address these issues so our communities can continue to enjoy all of our public spaces safely.”

Coastal and Open Spaces PSPOs will remain effective year-round for at least three years, until midnight on November 6, 2026.