New Public Space Protection Order Introduced for Wolverhampton City Centre
A new Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) has been introduced in Wolverhampton city centre as part of ongoing efforts to tackle anti-social behaviour and improve public safety.
The order, developed through a partnership between West Midlands Police and the City of Wolverhampton Council, provides additional powers to address behaviour that causes nuisance, alarm, or distress to residents, businesses, and visitors. The existing city centre PSPO, introduced in July 2024, allows officers to direct groups of three or more people to leave the area if they are causing or are likely to cause anti-social behaviour. It also enables officers to require the removal of face coverings when they are being used solely to conceal identity.
West Midlands Police say the measure forms part of a long-term strategy to reduce anti-social behaviour in key city centre locations, including Queen Street, Dudley Street, Lichfield Street and the bus station area. Officers will continue targeted patrols alongside council partners to ensure Wolverhampton remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone.
Under the new Public Space Protection Order, authorised officers and police will have powers to address a range of behaviours that negatively impact the city centre. Activities that may result in enforcement action include:
Aggressive begging or intimidating members of the public.
Consuming alcohol in a manner that causes anti-social behaviour.
Refusing to surrender alcohol when requested by an authorised officer.
Using illegal drugs or engaging in drug-related activity.
Public urination or defecation.
Excessive noise, shouting, or disorderly behaviour that causes nuisance or distress.
Loitering in groups and causing harassment, alarm, or distress to others.
Wearing face coverings solely to conceal identity when involved in anti-social behaviour.
Failing to comply with a direction to leave an area when instructed by police or authorised officers.
The anti-social or dangerous use of e-bikes, e-scooters, bicycles, or other vehicles in public spaces.
Obstructing public highways, entrances, or pedestrian routes.
Any behaviour that is likely to cause harassment, alarm, distress, or nuisance to residents, businesses, workers, or visitors.
Anyone who breaches the PSPO may be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice or face prosecution through the courts. The measures are intended to ensure Wolverhampton city centre remains a safe, welcoming, and accessible environment for everyone.
The council has also approved a wider PSPO covering a larger area of the city centre and surrounding locations, including transport hubs, retail parks and major public spaces. The expanded order gives authorities powers to tackle issues such as public drinking, drug use, aggressive begging, loitering, public urination, excessive noise, and the anti-social use of e-bikes and e-scooters. Fixed Penalty Notices may be issued to those who breach the restrictions.
According to City of Wolverhampton Council, the measures have been introduced following extensive public consultation and strong community support. The council says the aim is to ensure that law-abiding residents and visitors can enjoy the city centre free from anti-social behaviour while maintaining a fair and proportionate approach to enforcement.
Early indications suggest the existing PSPO has already had a positive impact. Council figures published in 2025 reported a reduction in recorded crime within the city centre, including a significant fall in robberies since the order came into force.
West Midlands Police are encouraging members of the public to continue reporting anti-social behaviour through the 101 service or online reporting channels, helping officers identify hotspots and direct resources where they are needed most.
