Decision making

Byelaws

A byelaw is a “rule made by a local authority to regulate its own affairs”. 

Where national legislation does not already exist to prohibit or regulate a comparatively minor and localised activity, i.e. roller skating on the footway, urinating and defecating in the street, a local authority may make a byelaw.

The power and procedure to make byelaws is provided by government legislation and all byelaws must be confirmed (approved) by the Secretary of State of the relevant government department.

Breaching a byelaw is a criminal offence and an offender may be prosecuted in the Magistrates’ Court or in some instances, as an alternative to prosecution, issued with a fixed penalty notice.

Should you require any further information about London Local Authority Bills or Byelaws please contact Gary Blackwell, Head of Litigation, Legal Services, 15th Floor, City Hall.  Telephone number 0207 641 2718.  E-mail – gblackwell@westminster.gov.uk.

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The byelaws and other documents are available at
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Byelaw for the Prevention of the Feeding of Birds