Barnet Council is considering implementing new Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) following a public consultation. The Safer Communities Partnership Board (SCPB) discussed the results of the consultation, which ran from 2 July 2025 to 17 August 2025 and received 164 responses, at its meeting on Friday 21 November 2025.

The consultation sought the community's input on proposed new PSPOs, which aim to address anti-social behaviour (ASB) in the borough. Beyond addressing pigeon feeding and loitering, the PSPOs target vehicle misuse and breaches of the 'no open fires or BBQ' conditions in Moat Mount and Scratchwood Open Space. The SCPB approved the consultation to inform Cabinet's recommendations for new PSPOs, which are slated for review on 8 December 2025 for a three-year period. The Cabinet also considered alternative options such as allowing the current PSPO to expire, implementing a new PSPO that only matches the prior PSPO No 1 of 2022, or implementing a singular order which incorporates the proposed 4 new PSPOs. The full report submitted to Cabinet can be found here.

The consultation included questions about residents' experiences with ASB, their support for existing PSPO conditions, their agreement with new PSPO proposals, and their perceived impact of new PSPOs.

Key findings from the consultation, detailed in the Community Safety Team's PSPO Consultation Summary Report 2025, include:

  • High Support: The majority of respondents (78.4%) strongly supported the proposed borough-wide PSPO.
  • ASB Experiences: The consultation captured lived and observed experiences of ASB to help inform the proposals.
  • New Prohibitions: The consultation sought views on proposed new prohibitions, including measures to address pigeon feeding and loitering in specific areas.

Proposed new prohibitions include:

  • Prohibition 12: A ban on feeding pigeons in public spaces. The consultation noted that enforcement would not be immediate for under 18s, with a focus on education first.
  • Prohibition 13A and 13B: Restrictions on entering gated-off areas between Market Lane and Silkstream Road, and between the old Market in Barnfield Car Park and the adjacent stairwell to Watling Avenue.
  • Prohibition 14: A measure targeting loitering in public places in a manner perceived as causing nuisance, annoyance, intimidation, harassment, alarm, or distress. This PSPO would apply to Burnt Oak, Colindale North, Colindale South, Edgware, Finchley Church End, West Finchley, and East Finchley wards.

Violators of the proposed PSPOs may be issued a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN). Failure to pay the FPN could result in legal action, a criminal record, and a potential sentence of up to 5 years imprisonment and an unlimited fine.

The report also noted that if Cabinet approves the proposed PSPOs, the Executive Director of Assurance and Public Protection, in consultation with Councillor Sara Conway (Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Community Cohesion and Ending Violence Against Women & Girls), the Chair of the SCPB, and the Police Crime Commissioner for the area, will be invited to authorise the new orders.

Following authorization, the Community Safety Team will:

  • Publish legally required notifications on the council website.
  • Launch a communications campaign to promote the new orders.
  • Conduct a six-month roadshow in key areas using a pop-up hub community engagement model, in partnership with local policing teams.
  • Erect necessary signage in accordance with the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 and Home Office guidance.

The management and effectiveness of all PSPOs in Barnet are reviewed via the Council's and Partnership multi agency Community Safety MARAC and ASB Delivery Group, and if needed, variation can be made. The effectiveness of the PSPOs will be reviewed through the Community Safety MARAC and ASB Delivery Group, with adjustments made as needed.