London Marathon Public Spaces Protection Order
Local Authorities were granted powers to introduce Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO) through section 59 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
PSPOs replaced previous legislation and introduced wider discretionary powers to deal with a particular nuisance in a defined public space where this is having a negative impact on the quality of life for those in that public space.
View the PSPO legislation.
London Marathon PSPO
On the 5 March 2020, the primary decision-making body of the City of London Corporation - the Court of Common Council - approved the City of London Marathon Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO).
This was in response to the reoccurring issue of serious anti-social behaviour (ASB) and violent public disorder along the section of the London Marathon route through the Square Mile, due to drinking publicly and the use of psychoactive substances (drugs that affect your perception, consciousness, cognition or mood and emotions).
The PSPO granted the City of London Police additional powers to prevent public drinking in specific areas, by refusing entry to those carrying alcohol or nitrous oxide in certain areas, or by confiscating those within the areas. Those people in breach of the PSPO could be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) of £100.
The City Corporation is proposing a renewal of the current London Marathon PSPO for a further three years, to continue to safeguard the public from anti-social behaviour and public disorder, make the most effective use of police resources and protect this important global event.
Consequences of breaching the PSPO
The PSPO will be enforced by a constable or authorised person.
It is an offence to not comply with the restrictions of the PSPO. This may be dealt with by the issue of a fixed penalty notice (FPN). A person issued with an FPN will have 14 days to pay the fixed penalty of £100. Payment of the FPN discharges liability to conviction for the offence.
Failure to pay the FPN may result in prosecution for the offence with a maximum fine not exceeding £1000 or Level Three on the Standard Scale.
You cannot appeal against an FPN, as any appeal would be part of a court action. However, you can make a representation to the City of London Corporation, explaining why you do not agree that you committed the offence.
Contact
For further information on the London Marathon PSPO please email the PSPO Fixed Penalty Notice Team.