The council is considering implementing some of the strongest powers available through Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs), which could be enforced by council officers, supported by CCTV and fixed penalties or prosecution for breaches. The proposals aim to confront intimidation and antisocial behaviour, with a focus on measures such as restrictions on face coverings used to conceal identity, e-scooters and e-bikes in pedestrianised areas, street drinking, public drug use, aggressive begging, and threatening or intimidating behaviour.
The consultation, running from 10 November 2026 to 5 January 2026, seeks input from residents, businesses, and community groups on which measures they support, where problems are most prevalent, and how antisocial behaviour impacts their lives. Residents can participate via the 'Let's Talk' platform.
These proposals align with the 'protect our communities' mission within the 'Building Harlow’s Future' strategy, extending targeted enforcement beyond current town centre arrangements. The potential measures cover a wide range of issues including aggressive begging, public drug use, intimidating groups, public urination, spitting, littering, dog fouling, cycling and e-bike/e-scooter use in pedestrianised areas, and antisocial use of mopeds and motorcycles.
Further potential restrictions include amplified music causing nuisance, smoking or vaping in children’s play areas, lighting fires in prohibited areas, feeding pigeons, vehicle-related nuisance activity, and the use of face coverings like balaclavas to conceal identity during antisocial behaviour or criminal activity. Accessing rooftops or restricted structures, and the use of catapults, are also under consideration.
“"We want to use the strongest powers available to us to reclaim our streets from antisocial behaviour. Harlow will not be a soft touch for people who intimidate residents, damage our neighbourhoods or make other people’s lives a misery."
Councillor Dan Swords, Leader of Harlow Council, stated that the council wants to use its strongest powers to tackle antisocial behaviour and ensure residents can walk safely and enjoy their neighbourhoods. He emphasised that the consultation is crucial for identifying specific issues and locations that need addressing. The council plans to train staff to enforce the new rules, supported by its CCTV network, with breaches potentially leading to fixed penalties or prosecution, including court fines of up to £1,000.
The council stressed that these are potential measures for consideration, not a final decision to implement every restriction. Each proposal will be evaluated based on consultation responses, local evidence, and the principles of necessity, reasonableness, and proportionality before returning to the Cabinet for a final decision. Residents are encouraged to have their say before the 5 January 2026 deadline.
