Overview
- The statutory cap on fixed penalty notices for breaches of Public Spaces Protection Orders and Community Protection Notices rises from £100 to £500 and takes effect on 29 June 2026.
- The uplift is a maximum not an automatic increase, so each council must decide whether to impose higher on‑the‑spot fines and how to apply them.
- Public Spaces Protection Orders set duties for dog owners such as keeping dogs on leads when required, keeping dogs out of restricted areas, carrying bags and clearing up mess, and limiting numbers of dogs for professional walkers.
- Ribble Valley Council has opened a public consultation on renewing its PSPO and its current rules and fines, with the survey running until 19 July and local court penalties remaining an option of up to £1,000.
- Many authorities use seasonal PSPOs on beaches and parks that often run through 30 September, so dog owners should check council websites for maps, exemptions such as guide dogs, and any local changes in enforcement.