Newham Council has been accused of undermining the safety of sex workers after the local authority set out proposals for a clampdown on ‘kerb crawlers’.

The council launched a consultation in October on a proposal for a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) covering the six wards of Stratford, Forest Gate South, Green Street East, Green Street West, Little Ilford, and Manor Park.

Romford Road, which cuts through these six wards, has long been associated with sex work and what the council calls ‘related anti-social behaviour’ which is affecting local residents.

Cllr Carleene Lee-Phakoe, cabinet member for Crime and Community Safety, said: ‘It is proposed to designate these areas with controls under a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to prevent harassment and the purchase of sex by individuals, kerb crawling and approaching women on the street.

‘We want to get the views of residents to let us know what they think of the plan to introduce PSPOs in these area. The orders would give police and enforcement officers the power to issue £100 fines to those engaging in kerb-crawling or attempting to purchase sex within the area. There is also the possibility of a prosecution with the maximum penalty £1000.’

Responding to the proposal, a spokesperson for the English Collective of Prostitutes said: ‘Newham Council is proposing a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for Romford Road, which would increase police powers against sex workers and undermine safety.

‘Anyone attempting to buy or sell sex would face on the spot £100 fines, and if taken to court could be fined up to £1000.

‘A PSPO would result in a crackdown on sex workers in that area. It would increase the risk of attack; criminalise women for earning an income to survive at the time of a cost-of-living crisis; and divert time and resources away from addressing rape and other violence, and helping women leave prostitution if and when they want. See further info below.’

Cllr Lee-Phakoe defended the proposed PSPO, arguing that the council wanted to reduce ‘stigmatisation and exploitation’.

‘The council is developing a strategy which sensitively acknowledges the complexity of prostitution and the diversity of people involved who are at risk of harm,’ she said.

‘We want to reduce the stigmatisation and exploitation of street and off-street sex workers and are working across our public health, adult social care and community safety teams to ensure that they are safe.

‘Community safety partners are already working to support women involved in sex work through a multi-agency approach focused on providing support around their needs through appropriate interventions and referrals.

‘The council’s public consultation on a proposed PSPO is about targeting those who exploit sex workers, not the sex workers themselves. While the initial public consultation has now closed, we are continuing our engagement with experts and academics, including groups who represent sex workers and vulnerable women.’