The Barking and Dagenham council in East London has implemented fines of up to £1,000 for actions such as wolf-whistling and catcalling in an attempt to combat street harassment and enhance the safety of women and girls. By updating current Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs), this program enables the council to penalize different types of anti-social behavior in an effort to create a more secure and respected environment for women.

New Rules Targeting Harassment in Public Spaces

The latest measure from Barking and Dagenham adds street harassment to a list of punishable behaviours under PSPOs, which also cover activities such as public drinking, loudspeaker use, spitting, and begging. Offenders may receive a £100 Fixed Penalty Notice initially, but persistent or severe cases can result in fines up to £1,000. According to Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety, these steps are vital in "fostering a safe and welcoming public environment" where women feel protected from harassment and intimidation. The updated PSPOs reflect feedback from local residents who are increasingly concerned about street harassment and its impact on community safety, as reported by the Daily Mail.

Community Reporting and Enforcement Challenges

Under the new rules, residents are encouraged to report instances of harassment and other anti-social behaviours online, allowing local authorities to track and respond to incidents. However, questions remain about enforcement.

Widespread Issue: Data on Public Harassment

The decision to implement these stricter measures follows a concerning trend in harassment statistics. Local research conducted by councillors in Barking and Dagenham revealed that 15% of women had experienced verbal abuse, while over 10% reported feeling followed or having their personal space invaded. National statistics from the Opinions and Lifestyle Survey in 2022 further highlight the issue, with over one-third of women aged 16 to 34 in England reporting experiences of cat-calling in the past year. "These numbers underscore the scale of the issue and our responsibility to act," Councillor Ghani remarked, highlighting the significance of the PSPOs in addressing public safety concerns.

Broader Trends in the UK and Europe

Barking and Dagenham's initiative is part of a broader UK movement to protect women's safety in public spaces. In September, Ashfield District Council approved a similar PSPO to tackle public urination, alcohol use, and street harassment, empowering officers to issue fines and take legal action against repeat offenders. In Bradford, the "JogOn" initiative specifically targets male drivers catcalling female joggers, with undercover officers posing as runners to catch offenders. "Addressing this behaviour is crucial to deterring men from making inappropriate comments," explained Superintendent Beth Pagnillo of Bradford District Police, noting the programme's success in confronting harassment culture.