Peddling Public Space Protection Order Consultation
This consultation has concluded.
The consultation was open from 10 March to 20 April 2025 via an online survey. Alternative versions of the survey were available on request, including paper version, Easy Read, Braille, large print, British Sign Language or other languages.
What is a pedlar?
A pedlar is someone who goes from place to place, selling items. They must be on foot when selling, and should stop only to sell items. They are often found at events and festivals selling things such as flags or balloons.
A pedlar is different to a street trader, in that they get their licence from the Police, rather than the local authority, and they may trade in any location. Pedlars can operate across the country once they have a licence, whereas a street trader will only have permission to trade in the local authority area where their consent or licence is issued.
What is a PSPO?
A Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) is one of the tools available to Councils to restrict certain activities or behaviour in certain areas to make sure public spaces can be enjoyed, free of anti-social behaviour, and remain safe for everyone to use.
Councils can use PSPOs to prohibit specified activities, and/or require certain things to be done by people engaged in particular activities, within a defined public area. Before making an Order, the Council must be satisfied that the activities being restricted are having a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those in the locality.
A PSPO works by focussing on an identified behaviour in a specific location rather than targeting specific individuals or properties.
Through the legislation, restrictions are placed on a behaviour that applies to everyone in the set area (with the possible use of exemptions). Breach of a PSPO without a reasonable excuse is an offence.
What is the proposal?
To introduce PSPO’s to restrict pedlars from operating:
at certain large events in and around the harbourside area, including Bristol Harbour Festival, and any other event using the Amphitheatre, Millennium Square or Waterfront Square which has an expected attendance of 4500 people or more. This will include but is not limited to Great Run, Bristol Sounds, Sirens/Sequences, Park Live, Bristol Light Festival, Festival of Nature, Pride Festival (amphitheatre) and sporting fan zones.
at the areas surrounding Ashton Gate stadium when concerts and sporting events are taking place.
The proposed PSPOs are not intended to be a blanket restriction and will only apply during the happening of certain large-scale events and at the locations listed above.
Evidence has been provided to the council that pedlars have been positioned in a way that has compromised the flow of pedestrians and event safety management plans, and limited access for wheelchair users and those with pushchairs, in areas which are extremely busy during events.
Pedlars should stop only to sell their wares, but they may stop for longer periods than this.
This is a serious safety issue as pedestrians using the areas, who could be forced into the road if pedlars are blocking pavements, or create a risk of crushes, and compromise evacuation plans.
The PSPO is only proposed to limit pedlar activity in these specific areas, and on specific relevant days. Signage will be in place when the restrictions apply.
If introduced the PSPO would be in place for the maximum period of three years.
Maps of the proposed restricted areas are available here:
Draft PSPO text is available here:
