On Monday 7th April a public spaces protection order will be imposed in Sheffield City Centre.
Councillor Kurtis Crossland believes that this will be a positive step forward for the city.
He said; “I think that Sheffield is one of the safest cities when you look at the statistics. But it’s not just about numbers, it’s about feel. Hopefully this will give people the knowledge and confidence to go out on Friday night and feel safe.”
The order will prevent people from consuming alcohol in public areas (except those premises who are licensed to supply alcohol under the Licensing Act 2003), public urination/desecration, loitering, begging, and public drug use.
Councillor Crossland explained that there are many levels (such as warnings etc) before someone is issued a fine. This is to allow the council to see where and who needs the most help.
Crossland said; “We are not trying to punish people at all. Nobody wants to go around the city issuing fines. It should hopefully help us intervene with people who need help and need support.”
Signs will go up around the city centre to inform the public about the order as well as lots of social media posts from the council.
The order will be in place for 3 years before being reviewed. However, Councillor Crossland said there will also be an initial review 6 months after the order is imposed.
He said; “We need to look at the data, we need to see if it is needed and is having a real impact. We can have our theories and ideas and if it goes to plan, great but if it doesn’t we need to review it.”
Public spaces protection orders first came into fruition in the UK in 2014. Many big cities were quick to impose protection orders at the time.
Councillor Crossland says that Sheffield City Council has taken its time to impose an order as it wants to do it properly and has learned from other cities.
He said; “we have taken our time to make sure we get this right.”