London Crime Briefing
Significant incidents, hearings, outcomes and public-data changes across the capital.
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Merton Council is considering introducing fines of up to £500 for engine idling, public nitrous oxide use, and riding e-scooters in parks. A six-week public consultation on the proposed Public Spaces Protection Orders begins on 21 September 2026.

A motorist has successfully appealed a £160 penalty charge notice issued by Merton Council for stopping in a yellow box junction on Haydons Road, Wimbledon. A traffic campaigner stated the council misinterpreted the law regarding these junctions.

Merton Council’s borough-wide Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for street drinking expired on 25 July 2025, leaving police without powers to confiscate alcohol in Mitcham town centre. A café owner reports police calls 3-4 times weekly, while the council says it is gathering evidence but has no replacement plan.

Merton Council has approved a 249-home redevelopment in Mitcham town centre, including buildings up to 11 storeys. The Mitcham Cricket Green Community and Heritage group says the decision contradicts the council’s Local Plan and has demanded an emergency policy review.
Significant incidents, hearings, outcomes and public-data changes across the capital.