PSPOs are legal tools made under the Anti Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, allowing local authorities to introduce reasonable conditions in areas where specific behaviours are having, or are likely to have, a detrimental impact on the quality of life of those using the space.
Why the PSPO has been introduced
Feedback from businesses and security teams at Bentley Bridge has highlighted issues including large groups gathering, intimidation of staff or visitors, nuisance behaviour around shopfronts and public walkways, and attempts to conceal identity when engaging in problematic behaviour.
The Bentley Bridge PSPO provides police and authorised officers with additional powers to respond proportionately and effectively to these behaviours.
Area covered
The PSPO applies to all publicly accessible areas within the Bentley Bridge complex, including:
- Retail and shopping areas
- Leisure sites (cinema, restaurants, cafes, gym entrances)
- Car parks and pedestrian walkways
- Shared public spaces, steps, seating areas, and open access zones
- Any other land within the development that is routinely accessed by members of the public
This ensures a consistent approach across the whole site.
Restrictions included in the order
The following conditions apply to anyone within the Bentley Bridge PSPO boundary:
1. Groups engaging in or likely to engage in anti social behaviour
Police or authorised officers may instruct groups of three or more people to leave the PSPO area if their behaviour is causing, or is likely to cause, nuisance, harassment, alarm or distress to others using the space.
Examples of behaviours that may trigger this power include:
- Intimidating or aggressive behaviour
- Verbal abuse towards staff, security or visitors
- Obstructing walkways or entrances
- Hanging around in a way that causes discomfort or deterrence to others
- Behaviour linked to shop theft, drug use, or anti social gatherings
This does not affect friends, families or social groups using the area responsibly.
2. Concealing identity for the purpose of anti social behaviour
Individuals may be required to remove face coverings when an officer reasonably believes the covering is being used to deliberately hide identity while engaging in, or intending to engage in, anti social behaviour.
This may include items such as:
- Balaclavas
- Scarves worn to obscure the face
- Non medical masks
- Hooded clothing worn tightly to conceal facial features
This does NOT apply to:
- Medical face coverings
- Religious face coverings
- Weather appropriate clothing worn normally
- Situations where no anti social behaviour is taking place
The order protects legitimate use of face coverings and ensures no discriminatory impact.
3. Directions to leave the area
Police and authorised officers can instruct individuals or groups to leave the Bentley Bridge PSPO area for up to 24 hours where their behaviour is causing, or is likely to cause, nuisance, alarm or distress.
During this time, individuals may be asked not to return unless necessary for essential travel or other legitimate reasons.
Exemptions and Safeguards
The PSPO will not affect:
- People wearing religious or medical face coverings
- Children accompanied by parents or carers behaving appropriately
- Shoppers, cinema goers, gym users, and restaurant visitors
- Peaceful groups, families or friends gathering respectfully
- People passing through the area for normal day to day activity
The order targets behaviour - not appearance, age, or lawful presence.
Enforcement Process
A proportionate, stepped approach is used to support fairness and avoid unnecessary criminalisation:
1. Initial engagement
Officers will speak to individuals, explain concerns and may issue a verbal warning where appropriate.
2. Repeated or continued behaviour
Further breaches within a six month period may result in:
- Referral to diversionary or positive activity support
- Notification to parents/carers for under 18s
- Escalation to the Council’s anti social behaviour team
3. Serious or persistent breaches
Persistent or more serious behaviour may lead to:
- Issuing of a Fixed Penalty Notice
- Criminal proceedings
- Consideration of injunctions or other civil powers
The PSPO is in place for three years, with formal six monthly reviews to ensure restrictions remain necessary and proportionate.
What to do if you witness anti social behaviour
Please use emergency and non emergency services appropriately:
- Call 999 if there is immediate danger, violence, or a crime occurring.
- Call 101 or use the West Midlands Police online system for non urgent concerns.
This ensures that behaviour linked to the PSPO can be acted upon quickly.
Contact us
For further information about the Bentley Bridge PSPO or to ask questions, please email the Wolverhampton Community Safety Partnership at:
safer@wolverhampton.gov.uk