Amplified street entertaining, busking and public speaking PSPO
There are currently rules in place in the Shepherd’s Bush, Hammersmith Town Centre and the White City area which restrict street entertaining, busking and public speaking. These are in place to reduce anti-social behaviour and noise pollution.
Police officers, police community support officers and some council officers can issue fines to people who continue to break these rules.
The Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO) that allow officers to take action if these rules are broken are due to expire in June 2025.
We are seeking your views on whether these restrictions should remain in place for a further three years.
Residents, businesses and visitors tell us that the extra noise from amplified busking, street entertainment and public speaking in these areas causes a disturbance and, in some instances, can be dangerous. The extra noise can be particularly disorientating for those with hearing or visual impairments. It can drown out the sound of traffic and the indication noises from pedestrian crossings, making junctions more hazardous.
How the restrictions work
We enforce these rules using a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO).
The restrictions are as follows:
- You are prohibited from using microphones, loudspeakers, megaphones, loud hailers or any other similar equipment designed to amplify the volume of speech or music within public areas outlined on the maps below, 24 hours a day.
- You are prohibited from using mains electricity, generator power or any other source of power or device to assist with amplifying the volume of sounds or music, within public areas outlined on the maps below, 24 hours a day.
Please note that we are proposing to add battery powered devices to the proposed restrictions in the new order.
Exemptions apply to:
- Authorised council events and activities
- Premises or vehicles where these activities are permitted under their licence conditions
Authorised officers can issue fines to people who breach the restrictions.
Where the restrictions apply
We are not proposing any changes to the areas covered by the current PSPOs.
Shepherd's Bush - The area covers the area outside Shepherds Bush Tube Station, along Uxbridge Road and on Shepherd's Bush Green.
For a detailed map see the current PSPO webpage Shepherds Bush public spaces protection order (PSPO)
White City - The area covers the A40 Westway between Heathstand Road and Dorando Close in the north, and Swaley Road and South Africa Road in the south, including Batman Close. Wormholt Park is also included.
For a detailed map see the current PSPO webpage White City public spaces protection order (PSPO)
Hammersmith Town Centre - The area covers King Street between Nigel Playfield Avenue and Butterwick Road including the areas around the Broadway Centre.
For a detailed map see the current PSPO webpage Hammersmith Town Centre public spaces protection order (PSPO)
Why are we consulting?
The restrictions are due to expire in June 2025.
We want to know:
- Should the PSPOs remain in place for a further three years, until 2028?
- Are the powers for the PSPO are proportionate?
- Are there still problems with amplified noise in the areas where the PSPO are in place?
- How well the current rules are working?
- Should the rules be changed?
Draft PSPO Amplification Order
View a draft version of the PSPO Amplification Order
Have your say
Please take part in our consultation on amplified noise by completing the short survey linked below.
Please send us your feedback by 31 January 2025.
If you have any questions or need help accessing the survey or any of the information you need to take part, please contact us at csu@lbhf.gov.uk
An Easy Read version of the order and consultation questions is also available.
