In April 2018 Ealing Council’s cabinet members took the decision to implement a public spaces protection order (PSPO) around the Marie Stopes clinic on Mattock Lane, Ealing - commonly known as the Mattock Lane safe zone.
The decision was made to implement the PSPO following concerns raised that those attending the clinic faced harassment and intimidation from groups who positioned themselves outside the clinic.
The Mattock Lane PSPO provides service users with a safe zone where protesters are not allowed to visit, which ensures the attendees of the Marie Stopes clinic can get the services without fear of being approached, intimidated or harassed by protesters.
The PSPO does not prevent protesters from carrying out their right to protest; it simply prohibits them from being located within the safe zone.
Anyone who breaches the order can be fined or prosecuted under the law. As part of the PSPO, a designated zone has been made west of the clinic on Mattock Lane for members of represented groups who will be able to carry out protests and vigils. These activities will be subject to several restrictions which will not apply in any areas outside that covered by the PSPO.