Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs)
Purpose
Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) are legal powers introduced under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. They are used to prevent individuals or groups from engaging in anti-social behaviour in public spaces.
Failure to comply with a PSPO is a criminal offence and may result in:
- a £100 Fixed Penalty Notice, or
- prosecution, which can lead to a fine of up to £1,000
PSPO – dog control (valid until 17 October 2026)
This order applies to all public areas in Hartlepool that are open to the air and accessible to the public, either with or without payment, unless otherwise stated.
Key restrictions
- Fouling of land: Dog owners must clean up after their dogs. Applies borough-wide.
- Dogs on leads: Dogs must be on a lead in designated areas (signposted).
- Dogs on leads by direction: Authorised officers can require a dog to be put on a lead if it is causing a nuisance. Applies borough-wide.
- Lead length restriction: In cemeteries, dog leads must not exceed 1.5 metres.
- Dog exclusion: Dogs are not allowed in certain areas (signposted).
- Means to pick up: Dog walkers must carry equipment to clean up after their dogs.
- Maximum number of dogs: No more than four dogs may be walked by one person at a time. Applies borough-wide.
Documents and schedules
Further information about the order and schedules, including maps of the locations where each schedule applies, can be downloaded below. For ease of use, the schedules are divided into Parts A-E.
- PSPO – Dog Control (Full Order)
- schedule 1 – fouling of land by dogs
- schedule 2 – dogs on leads by direction
- schedule 3 – specified maximum number of dogs
- schedule 4 – means to pick up
- schedule 5 – dogs on leads
- schedule 6 – dog exclusion
- schedule 7 – lead length restriction (1.5m)
Schedules (including maps of locations)
PSPO – alley gates (valid until 17 October 2026)
This oder applies to designated alleyways in Hartlepool to reduce anti-social behaviour and improve community safety.