In response to concerns raised by beach users about breaches of Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) on Exmouth beach last year, East Devon District Council’s Environmental Protection Team recently launched a focused initiative in the area.
In response to concerns raised by beach users about breaches of Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) on Exmouth beach last year, East Devon District Council’s Environmental Protection Team recently launched a focused initiative in the area.
Between May and September each year, restrictions are in place on East Devon beaches to reduce anti-social behaviour and ensure everyone enjoys their visit to the coast. At Exmouth beach, for example, dogs are not allowed between the Octagon café and the second groyne at Orcombe Point, and dogs must be on leads along the esplanade, in Beach Gardens, Pavilion Grounds, and Queen’s Drive Space.
Failure to comply may result in a fixed penalty notice.
During the final week of April and into early May, the team focused on engaging with dog walkers to help clarify the seasonal dog restrictions, which we appreciate can sometimes be confusing. The team aimed to inform the public through friendly conversations, ensuring everyone could enjoy Exmouth beach safely and responsibly.
Week 1 – Raising awareness
During the final week of April, including the weekend, Environmental Protection Officers patrolled Exmouth beach at various times of the day and evening.
The focus was on raising awareness among dog walkers ahead of the annual exclusion period, which began on 1 May 2025. Officers engaged with numerous dog owners, distributing information about all beach exclusion areas across the district.
Encouragingly, most dog walkers demonstrated clear awareness of both the exclusion start date and the restricted areas.
Week 2 – Enforcement
In the second week of May, Dog Enforcement Officers and Exmouth Street Marshalls returned to patrol Exmouth beach for seven consecutive days. Their aim was to challenge non-compliance within the exclusion zone.
The team engaged with dog walkers within the restricted area: some were local residents, while others were visiting the district. Unfortunately, the majority of those approached responded with unacceptable verbal abuse towards officers.
Investigations are ongoing to identify the individuals involved, and further enforcement action may follow.
Councillor Geoff Jung, Portfolio Holder Portfolio Holder Environment – Operational, East Devon District Council, said: “Our beaches are for everyone to enjoy, and it's vital we maintain safe and pleasant spaces for all users. While we’re encouraged by the awareness shown by many dog owners, there is no excuse for abuse towards our officers, who are simply doing their jobs to enforce the rules. We urge all dog owners to respect the seasonal restrictions.”
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