Dartford council have launched a protection order to combat anti-social behaviour in the town centre.

A Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), created by Dartford Borough Council, has come into force to tackle street drinking and anti-social behaviour in Dartford.

It restricts people from using motor vehicles in the town centre’s streets, car parks, parks, recreation grounds and children’s play areas.

The order also covers inconsiderate consumption of alcohol and other intoxicating substances, littering, urinating or defecating in public places and swearing, shouting or acting in a threatening manner or in a way that causes alarm, harassment or distress.

Anyone breaching the PSPO could receive a fixed penalty notice of £100, or prosecution through the Magistrates’ Court, which can result in a fine of up to £1000.

The PSPO will be enforced by Kent Police Officers, Police Community Support Officers, and authorised Local Authority Officers, such as Park Rangers.

Jeremy Kite, Leader of Dartford Borough Council said, “Dartford Town Centre remains a very safe place to live, work and visit, and we want to keep it that way.

“The PSPO has been brought in to give us some additional powers to tackle behaviours that are inconsiderate and offensive to decent people who simply want to enjoy our town.”