Amplifiers Banned in Hammersmith Town Centre

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Those who flout Public Spaces Protection Order risk £100 fine

Hammersmith Town Centre has become a quieter and more pleasant area to visit, with buskers, musicians and public speakers no longer be able to use amplifiers

A public spaces protection order, or PSPO came into force this month, with people who flout it risking a £100 fine.

The change came following complaints to the council from businesses near Hammersmith gyratory and Disabled people, particularly those with visual impairments, who said the noise stopped them being able to cross the road safely as they couldn't hear the traffic.

"This is a very welcome change. We support the council entirely in its decision," said Bryan Naylor, who is Chair of H&F’s resident-led Older People’s Commission and has age-related macular degeneration. "Blind and visually impaired people have enough difficulty already in listening out for traffic at this very busy, very noisy part of Hammersmith."

The PSPO has been introduced following a public consultation last year, where almost 70% of respondents supported the action.

The order covers the roads surrounding Hammersmith Broadway, and stretches west along King Street to Nigel Playfair Avenue.

“We’ve listened to what people have told us and have taken action to address what was clearly an issue for many residents and businesses” said Cllr Sue Fennimore, H&F Council Deputy Leader.

" However, we are huge supporters of the arts and value our buskers and public speakers as part of the fabric of the borough. They are welcome to continue entertaining and engaging with people here – just not using disruptively loud amplifiers."

Read full details of the PSPO and see the map of the area it covers here.

 

August 30, 2019