Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) in Stockton-on-Tees
The protection of our residents is a key priority for the council and while Stockton-on-Tees continues to have the lowest recorded crime and anti-social behaviour rate in the Cleveland Police area, we have faced challenges around our town centres.
Following a public consultation the council has introduced new Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) in Stockton Town Centre and Norton in line with the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. Enforcement of the PSPOs is shared between the council and Cleveland Police.
Stockton Town Centre PSPO conditions:
- street drinking; an authorised person may ask you to cease consuming alcohol in a public place and to surrender the container
- no begging
- no anti-social loitering
- no anti-social use of vehicles
- no urinating or defecating
- no overnight stays or camping without prior authorisation
- no dog fouling
- keep dogs on leads, except Trinity Gardens
- you must provide personal details to authorised persons
- you must disperse if ordered to do so by an authorised person
Norton PSPO conditions:
- street drinking; an authorised person may ask you to cease consuming alcohol in a public place and to surrender the container
- no begging
- no anti-social loitering
- no anti-social use of vehicles
- you must provide personal details to authorised persons
- you must disperse if ordered to do so by an authorised person
The Public Spaces Protection Orders give the Council's Community Safety team and the police greater powers to tackle these problems. Breaching a PSPO is a criminal offence carrying a maximum penalty of £1,000 upon prosecution.
The Public Spaces Protection Orders for Stockton Town Centre and Norton came into effect on 3 April 2026 and will be in force for a period for three years.
Please report any breaches of the PSPO to the Council's Community Safety team by emailing civic.enforcement@stockton.gov.uk or calling 01642 528439. You can also tell any passing patrol from the Council's Civic Enforcement Service or Cleveland Police.
Current Public Spaces Protection Orders:
