Urinating in public in Harrow could now be one of the most expensive calls from nature you'll ever take, with new powers in force meaning on the spot fines of £100.

Residents making the borough a "dirty and unpleasant place to live and work" could be forced to cough up their cash if caught urinating, defecating or spitting in public.

Harrow Council have approved a borough-wide Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) - so anyone caught taking part in filthy behaviours will pay the price.

The crackdown on antisocial behaviour also includes a ban on driving over footpaths, footways and verges, failing to pick up dog mess and smoking in children’s play areas.

And a failure to pay the £100 fixed penalty notice could lead to prosecution, where the fine increases to up to £1,000.

Graham Henson, cabinet member for environment, said: “Like all our residents and businesses I want to see a clean, safe and trouble-free borough.

"Sadly there are some individuals intent on making Harrow a dirty and unpleasant place to live and work - and that is totally unacceptable.

"That is why we’ve introduced these tough new powers, and we will be working closely with Harrow Police.

"Anyone caught destroying our neighbourhoods or causing a nuisance to others will face the full weight of the law.”

You could pay £100 for failing to pick up dog mess

Joint work with the police will help tackle public drunkenness, meaning people must stop when asked to do so by officers.

The borough-wide PSPO will be in place for three years and is backed by both residents and Harrow Metropolitan Police .

Niki Walker-Tassell, temporary chief inspector, Harrow Police said: “We welcome and fully support these new powers which will assist officers in dealing with offenders swiftly and effectively.

"Anti-social behaviour has a detrimental impact on the community and we will continue to work closely with Harrow Council to ensure that Harrow remains a great and safe place to live and work.”

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