City of York Council is seeking residents' views on the extension of the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in the city centre.
A PSPO is a legal power available to local authorities under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 and is designed to help address behaviours that have a detrimental effect on the quality of life of people in a local area.
The move is a response to a request from North Yorkshire Police for additional powers in York city centre. Five new conditions are proposed targeting a range of behaviours. The conditions would ban the following behaviours:
- Intimidation and Coercion: Pressuring or deliberately intimidating someone into giving money.
- Persisting in Requests: Continuing to ask for money, for food, or pressure others to voluntarily do something, after an initial refusal.
- Pestering or Pursuing: Following, nagging or blocking the path of an individual.
- Invasion of Personal Space: Hinder free passage, impede a doorway, or stand uncomfortably close to someone, such as directly beside them at a cash machine.
- Disorderly groups: groups of people collectively engaged in shouting, aggressive or disruptive behaviour, or alcohol-fuelled behaviour likely to cause someone nearby to fear that disorder, abuse or a confrontation may occur.
Under the proposals, engaging in these five behaviours in York city centre would be an offence punishable by a fine.
Councillor Anna Perrett, Executive Member with responsibility for Safer Communities, said:
We are committed to ensuring that York remains a safe, welcoming and enjoyable place for residents, businesses and visitors.
“Your feedback will help us understand local experiences of anti-social behaviour and whether additional PSPO conditions would be an appropriate and proportionate measure to help address any identified issues.
“Your views are important, whether you support, oppose, or have concerns about extending the existing PSPO.”
The consultation runs from 10 August to 18 September 2026. Make sure you have your say on these proposed PSPOs. People can complete the survey online.
Paper and easy read copies of the survey will be available from Explore libraries and West Offices. If you need any help completing the survey, contact via email: saferyork@york.gov.uk.