Cat-callers and street harassers will be hit with fines of up to £1,000 in a new scheme to protect women and girls in east London.
Barking and Dagenham Council has added sexual harassment to its Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), which came into force on November 1, following alarming survey results from local women.
The council's Community Safety team found that 15 per cent of women had faced verbal abuse in the area, while 11 per cent had experienced men invading their space or being followed. A further 10 per cent reported cat-calling incidents.
The revised PSPO also targets amplified music, public urination, begging, spitting and alcohol-related antisocial behaviour. It covers Barking Town Centre, Broad Street, Dagenham Heathway and Gale Street in Becontree.
Offenders will receive £100 fixed penalty notices or could face court fines of up to £1,000.
The move follows complaints from residents, visitors and businesses concerned about preachers allegedly using hate speech.
Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety, said: "PSPOs play a huge role in reducing [ASB] in our hotspot areas and as part of the renewal, we know how important it was to include sexual harassment to help improve women's safety. I'd like to thank all the residents who took part in the consultation and supporting the renewal of the scheme and I hope you continue to see a difference."
Superintendent David Rhodes from the Met Police said: "The PSPO provides our officers with another tool at their disposal to challenge [ASB], including sexual harassment in public spaces. Community crime fighting is how we cut crime, rebuild trust and restore our bond with communities. [ASB] in our community is not acceptable and we are committed to doing more to tackle it in all its forms and challenge perpetrators of sexual harassment. By working together with Barking and Dagenham Council, this PSPO will help tackle the behaviour and make our neighbourhoods safer."
The order will remain in force for three years after receiving support from 845 residents during public consultation.
