Protection order would be 'ultimate disrespect'

Tottenham Copwatch has been protesting about the public spaces protection order

A public spaces protection order (PSPO) proposed by Haringey Council has been described as “disgusting” by people who fear it would unfairly impact people affected by homelessness, poverty and exclusion.

The council said an order would be used to control behaviour that would have a harmful impact on the community.

But groups, including Tottenham Copwatch, have said a PSPO would demonstrate “ultimate disrespect for the people who live and work in Haringey”.

A public consultation ends on Friday.

'It's very vague'

The PSPO proposal lists several prohibitions, including:

• Public urination, defecation or spitting

• Riding a bicycle, moped, e-scooter or e-bike on pavements

• Lighting a firework in a public space

• Demonstrating behaviour that causes, or is likely to cause “harassment, alarm or distress”

A constable or an "authorised person" would be allowed to enforce the order.

Breaching the order could lead to a £100 fine, which could be escalated to £1,000.

Marlon Kameka, from Tottenham Copwatch, said: "They want to criminalise people for demonstrating antisocial behaviour, but what is that?

"What does that look like? That looks different for everyone.”

He added: "Around 99% of people in this area, where I’ve lived for 22 years, will not be able to afford that £100, you might as well say it’s £1million. Why criminalise someone for executing a human bodily function, going to the toilet?

“If you walk down this street [High Road] there’s no public toilets.

“I don’t believe in punishment because you’re working class, a young person, homeless.”

'Complex community'

Matt Turtle, co-founder of the charity Museum of Homelessness, said the PSPO would have a “disproportionate effect” on vulnerable and marginalised people.

He said: “It’s drafted very vaguely. We don’t feel this has been consulted on properly, it’s extremely excessive and will just make life difficult for people.”

Lotte Collett, an Independent Socialist Group councillor, said: “The further criminalisation and possible increase in court hearings that the PSPO would potentially create for the poorest in our community is counterintuitive. This proposal is poorly thought out.

“Haringey is far more complex, the communities and vulnerable peoples’ that will be disproportionately targeted by this proposal are extremely nuanced and need much more forethought than this proposal allows for.”

The council's cabinet member for communities, Ajda Ovat, said: “The safety of our residents will always be our number one priority and the implementation of a PSPO helps us to protect our community.

“We remain committed to working with our diverse communities and residents to build a safer Haringey for all our communities.”