A ban on microphones and loudspeakers may be extended to cover a wider area in West London following complaints about antisocial behaviour (ASB).
Existing PSPO Coverage
The existing Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) already prevents the use of amplification equipment in parts of Hammersmith, Shepherd's Bush and White City.
Hammersmith and Fulham Council is consulting on expanding the order to include a much larger area, going west along Goldhawk Road and Uxbridge Road in Shepherd's Bush as far as Coningham Road and north up to the White City Estate, which was already covered. Restrictions around Hammersmith are to remain unchanged.
What PSPOs Entail
PSPOs enable councils to prohibit certain activities or behaviours with fines issued to those caught breaking the rules. Hammersmith and Fulham has introduced several over the years, including a street harassment PSPO, a ban on alcohol consumption in open spaces and restrictions on wearing balaclavas, aggressive begging and threatening groups.
Orders have also been introduced aiming to restrict street entertainment, busking and amplified public speaking in White City, Shepherd's Bush and Hammersmith town centre. The PSPO prohibits the use of microphones, loud speakers or other similar equipment within the areas outlined. The use of mains electricity, generator power, battery power and other devices to amplify sound is also banned.
Consultation Details
Following reports about ASB the council is now seeking feedback on its proposal to extend the area covered by the PSPO. On its consultation webpage the local authority wrote: "We have received an increasing number of reports about anti-social behaviour and noise nuisance linked to the use of amplified sound (such as loudspeakers and megaphones) in areas not currently covered by existing restrictions."
A Hammersmith and Fulham Council spokesperson said: "We're working to improve our town centres to help make Hammersmith and Fulham the best place to live, work and socialise. Our efforts to tackle noise levels have seen complaints drop across the borough. We started in Shepherd's Bush back in 2016 and we've worked with residents to renew and introduce further orders in Hammersmith and White City. Local people continue to tell us they want these protections to help tackle noise and anti-social behaviour. We invite residents to have their say via this consultation that closes in July."
The consultation is to run until July 8 and can be viewed on the council website.
