Last Updated on 3 October 2026
Merton Council is seeking feedback on three proposed Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs).
- Vehicle Idling: The proposed PSPO would help the council address unnecessary idling and take action. At present, the Council is not enforcing an idling ban. The dangers are explained on Merton’s website. ‘Every minute, an idling car produces enough exhaust to fill up to 150 balloons with harmful chemicals, including cyanide, nitrogen oxides (NOx) and tiny particulates called PM2.5’. We discussed the dangers of idling in an article (‘Air quality matters – what can you do to improve our local air?’) which can be found on our website here.
- Anti-social behaviour: The proposed PSPO would replace the previous Alcohol Consumption in Public Places PSPO, which expired in July 2026, and introduce a wider range of measures to help address amongst others, alcohol-related nuisance or disorder, littering, dog control (fouling and using leads when directed) and open fires, barbecues and cooking stoves in parks and green spaces.
- School Keep-Clear Zig-Zag Markings: The proposed PSPO would help address vehicles stopping on school keep-clear markings and support safer access to schools for children, families, and other pedestrians.
To share your views please click on the following link. The consultation closes on 2 November 2026.
