London Marathon Public Spaces Protection Order

A Public Spaces Protection Order gives Location Authorities powers to address persistent issues that are damaging to local communities. They also detail what actions a person, organisation or organised group should take to ensure that their activity does not affect the quality of life for the local community.

Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPO) were introduced through section 59 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

London Marathon PSPO

On 5 March 2020, the Court of Common Council (the primary decision-making body of the City of London Corporation) approved the City of London Marathon Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO). As of 2024, the PSPO remains live and will apply to the London Marathon in April 2024.

The PSPO was introduced in response to the reoccurring issue of serious anti-social behaviour (ASB) and violent public disorder along the section of the London Marathon route through the Square Mile, due to drinking publicly and the use of psychoactive substances (drugs that affect your perception, consciousness, cognition or mood and emotions).

The PSPO gives the City of London Police additional powers to prevent public drinking in specific areas, by refusing entry to those carrying alcohol or nitrous oxide in certain areas, or by confiscating those within the areas. Those people in breach of the PSPO could be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) of £100.

The City of London Corporation is proposing a renewal of the current London Marathon PSPO for a further three years, to continue to safeguard the public from anti-social behaviour and public disorder, make the most effective use of police resources and protect this important global event.

Consequences of breaching a PSPO

The PSPO will be enforced by a constable or authorised person.

It is an offence to not comply with the restrictions of the PSPO. This may be dealt with by the issue of a fixed penalty notice (FPN). A person issued with an FPN will have 14 days to pay the fixed penalty of £100. Payment of the FPN discharges liability to conviction for the offence.

Failure to pay the FPN may result in prosecution with a maximum fine of £1000 (or Level Three on the Standard Scale).

You cannot appeal against an FPN, as any appeal would be part of a court action. However, you can make a complaint to the City Corporation, explaining why you disagree with the notice.

Contact

For further information on the London Marathon PSPO please email the PSPO Fixed Penalty Notice Team.