Hounslow Council Approves New PSPO to Curb Anti-Social Behaviour

Key Points

• Hounslow Council has approved a new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) effective from 1 November 2025.
• The order targets persistent anti-social behaviour at Montague Road West car park near Hounslow High Street.
• Activities prohibited under the PSPO include littering, obstructing entrances/exits, taking ‘legal highs,’ rough sleeping, overnight car park use (except parking vehicles), urination, defecation, spitting, and loitering associated with these acts.
• Breaches can result in Fixed Penalty Notices with fines up to £1,000.
• The PSPO will remain in force for three years with regular reviews.
• The order follows a public consultation from 1 September to 6 October 2025.
• Councillor Pritam Grewal emphasised the importance of the PSPO in improving safety and quality of life.
• Residents are encouraged to report anti-social behaviour online to the council.
• Hounslow Council has also been addressing anti-social behaviour through tighter licensing controls on Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).
• Broader legislation changes include increased fixed penalty fines and new behavioural orders under the national Crime and Policing Bill 2025.

What is the new order approved by Hounslow Council to tackle anti-social behaviour?

On Tuesday 21 October 2025, Hounslow Council’s Cabinet approved a new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) focused on Montague Road West car park near Hounslow High Street. This order is a direct response to ongoing reports from residents and the police about persistent anti-social behaviour in this location. The PSPO, which takes effect from 1 November 2025, aims to curb a range of disruptive activities by imposing fines for violations. The order will last for three years and be subject to regular effectiveness reviews. This legislative tool reflects the council’s commitment to enhancing community safety and living conditions in Hounslow.​

What activities does the new PSPO prohibit and what are the penalties?

The PSPO specifically prohibits the following in the Montague Road West car park area:

• Littering
• Obstructing entrances, exits, or stairwells
• Taking ‘legal highs’
• Rough sleeping
• Using the car park overnight except for parking vehicles
• Urinating, defecating, or spitting
• Loitering or gathering in connection with these prohibited activities

Individuals found breaching these rules may be issued Fixed Penalty Notices carrying fines up to £1,000. This level of penalty is intended to act as a deterrent to anti-social behaviour and maintain the space as safe and welcoming for all residents, workers, and visitors.​

Who supports the new PSPO and how was it developed?

Councillor Pritam Grewal, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Customer Experience and Enforcement at Hounslow Council, expressed the council’s rationale stating:

“We’ve listened to residents, businesses and local policing teams who told us this car park has become a hotspot for anti-social behaviour, particularly at night. This new PSPO will allow us to take firm action to address the problem and improve safety and quality of life for everyone who lives, works or visits the area.”

She further highlighted the inclusive process:

“We’re committed to delivering a Borough where everyone feels safe and proud of their surroundings, and this is an important step towards that goal. We’re grateful to everyone who took part in the consultation and to our partners, including the police and voluntary sector, for their support in shaping this decision.”

The PSPO follows a public consultation held between 1 September and 6 October 2025, during which residents and stakeholders provided feedback that helped to shape the final order.​

How can residents report ongoing anti-social behaviour?

Residents are encouraged by Hounslow Council to report incidents of anti-social behaviour through the Council’s online reporting platform. This initiative is part of the council’s wider Safer Communities programme, which aims to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour to create a better living environment across the borough.​

What other measures is Hounslow Council taking against anti-social behaviour?

Beyond the PSPO, Hounslow Council has also intensified efforts to tackle issues stemming from overcrowding and poor housing conditions that contribute to anti-social behaviour. According to a March 2025 report by The Negotiator, the council has planned to tighten mandatory licensing requirements for all smaller Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), including those occupied by 3-4 persons with shared facilities. Councillor Tom Bruce, Cabinet Member for Assets, Regeneration and Development, noted that HMOs can be difficult to manage and often linked to persistent anti-social behaviour.

The council has undertaken enforcement actions since 2020, issuing hundreds of warnings, notices for safety compliance, and civil penalties targeting housing defects and hazardous conditions that contribute to social problems. This regulatory approach is aimed at improving tenant safety and reducing negative impacts on local communities.​

How does national legislation impact Hounslow’s approach to anti-social behaviour?

Nationally, the Crime and Policing Bill 2025 introduces several new powers to tackle anti-social behaviour more effectively. Measures include the introduction of the Respect Order, a civil behavioural order allowing courts to ban adult offenders from specified activities, with breach constituting a criminal offence. This order includes provisions to mandate offenders to address the root causes of their behaviour.

Additionally, the Bill extends the maximum exclusion period for dispersal directions to 72 hours, increases fixed penalty fines for breaching PSPOs from £100 to £500, and lengthens the timeframe for closure order applications. These legislative changes support local authorities like Hounslow in enforcing community protection measures with stronger penalties and wider powers.​

Why is tackling anti-social behaviour important to Hounslow Council?

Anti-social behaviour has a direct impact on residents’ quality of life and community safety. As stated by Hounslow Council’s representatives, addressing issues in public spaces and housing is key to delivering a safer borough where all residents can feel secure and proud of their environment. The council’s multi-faceted approach, including targeted PSPOs, housing licensing reforms, and collaboration with local police and voluntary sectors, reflects its serious commitment to this goal.