Woking town centre PSPO comes into force

The Order is designed to help prevent and tackle anti-social behaviour and support a safer, more welcoming town centre environment. 

The PSPO allows action to be taken against a range of behaviours that are causing, or are likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress to members of the public.  

Prohibited behaviours include alcohol-related intimidation, threatening or disruptive group activity and the use of face coverings (excluding for medical, religious, or health and safety-related coverings) to cause fear or conceal the identity of someone acting antisocially.  

The Order applies within a designated area of Woking town centre and forms part of the council's wider work with Surrey Police and community safety partners to reduce anti-social behaviour and improve the experience of those who live, work and visit the town centre. 

To support the introduction of the PSPO, new signage is being installed throughout the designated area to clearly identify the PSPO zone and raise awareness of the restrictions coming into force. 

Cllr Steve Greentree, Woking Borough Council's Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, said: 

Woking is a safe town and we want to keep it that way. 

The PSPO sets clear expectations for behaviour in our town centre and equips authorities with the tools they need to respond when those standards are not met. 

As the darker evenings of autumn arrive, these measures will provide additional reassurance and support the ongoing work taking place to keep our vibrant town centre welcoming and safe.

The Order comes into force on 28 October 2026. It will remain in effect until 27 October 2029, unless extended, varied or discharged. 

To learn more about the PSPO, including the area it covers, visit: www.woking.gov.uk/PSPO  

Physical copies of the Order can be viewed at Woking Civic Offices.