The Order gives regulated bodies such as West Midlands Police and the City of Wolverhampton Council powers to ask groups of 3 or more people to vacate the area if there is reason to believe they are causing, or are likely to cause, a nuisance, threat or alarm to others.
It also enables officers to request the removal of face coverings where there are no reasonable grounds to wear them, and they are being used to disguise identity.
Since its introduction, the PSPO has contributed to a 16% reduction in recorded crime within the city centre, including a 50% fall in robberies.
The PSPO was specifically developed to target those responsible for anti social behaviour and does not affect people gathering to shop, work, or visit the city centre. It also does not discriminate against those legitimately wearing a face covering, for example for medical or religious reasons.
Superintendent Martin Hurcomb from Wolverhampton Police said: “We, working with our partners at the council and specifically the Community Safety Team, are completely committed to providing a safe space within the city centre, where members of the public can feel confident that crime, including anti social behaviour, is prioritised and proactively tackled.
“The PSPO has already shown it can make a real difference and is part of our collective response to drive down crime, like the Government’s Safer Streets initiative over the summer months targeting anti social behaviour within high streets.”
Councillor Obaida Ahmed, the council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, added: “Public Space Protection Orders are designed to ensure the law abiding majority can continue to use and enjoy public spaces, safe from the threat of anti social behaviour or nuisance.
“These results demonstrate the effectiveness of the order in making the city centre a safer and more welcoming place for residents, businesses, and visitors.”
The order covers the whole of the city centre inside the ring road. It came into effect in July 2024 following a period of public consultation and will remain in place for 3 years, subject to regular 6 monthly reviews to ensure it continues to be effective and proportionate.
