Dogs: Here's how long dogs will be banned from beaches in Southsea, Hayling Island, West Wittering, Hill Head and Lee-on-the-Solent and the size of fines if you break the rules
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Seasonal changes will soon come into effect to restrict access for dogs on some beaches in the south east over the warmer months. Southsea, for example, has parks, open spaces, and beaches that welcome dogs, but there are some restrictions in place covered by the Public Spaces Protection Order 2022 (PSPO). But how long will dogs be banned from beaches in Portsmouth and the surrounding area, and what is the fine if you break the rules?
Here's everything you need to know:
Southsea
Southsea has restrictions in place for dogs in particular areas that are covered by the PSPO.
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Hide AdThis order covers the following dog controls within Portsmouth:
- Exclusion of dogs from land
- Fouling of land by dogs and the removal of dog faeces
- Dogs are only permitted on land if kept on a lead
- Dogs to be put on lead by direction of an authorised council officer
From May 1 to September 30, dog owners will be unable to take their furry friends on the foreshore between Royal Marines Statue and Southsea Castle. The same is in effect at the Hot Walls. You could be fined up to £1,000 if the dog is not permitted to be off its lead.
Hayling Island
As for Hayling Island, dog owners will be unable to take their pets on blue flag beaches from May 1 to September 30. However, dogs are allowed in the following locations:
- From the golf club to the ferry
- From the funfair to Creek Road
- At Eastoke from Bosmere Road to the lifeboat station.
Dogs are also only allowed on leads on the promenade, however from October 1 to April 30, dogs are allowed on all beaches in Hayling Island.
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Hide AdAccording to Havant Borough Council, an on-the-spot fine could be issued if dog owners fail to comply. The fixed penalty is set at £100. A person who is guilty of an offence under the PSPO could face a fine of up to £1,000.
Hill Head
Dogs are not allowed on the main part of Hill Head beach and Salterns Beach from May 1 to September 30. A small section of the beach to the west of the main carpark is where dog owners can take their pets all year round. Dogs are also allowed on the promenade all year but must be on a lead.
Dog owners could face a fixed penalty notice if they fail to comply with the rules. According to Fareham Borough Council, irresponsible dog owners could be fined £100 for not complying with the terms of the PSPO. If owners fail to pay, it can lead to further sanctions, including fines of up to £2,500 for each offence.
West Wittering
West Wittering beach follows the same protocol as Hayling Island. Restrictions are in place between May 1 and September 30. According to Chichester District Council, those who do not comply with the rules could face a penalty of up to £1,000.
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Hide AdStokes Bay
Dogs are not allowed in signed controlled areas in Stokes Bay between May 1 and September 30.
The dog-free beach area extends from Pebble Beach to Gosport and Fareham Inshore Rescue Service (GAFIRS) and there are many dog bins along the promenade for dog owners to dispose of dog waste. Dog walkers and their dogs can enjoy the open areas at the east end of the Bay towards Gilkicker.
According to the Gosport Borough Council website, a person who fails to comply with the Gosport Public Spaces Protection Dog Control Order 2020 could be fined up to £1,000.
Lee-on-the-Solent
Dogs are banned from marked areas of Lee-on-the-Solent beach from May 1 to September 30. According to the Gosport Borough Council website, a person who fails to comply with the Gosport Public Spaces Protection Dog Control Order 2020 could be fined up to £1,000.