A dispersal zone stretching across Glasgow city centre was introduced from March, according to multiple reports. Superintendent Jackie Dunbar confirmed the zone is temporary. Under the measures, officers will direct groups of two or more people to leave the area if their behavior is impacting the safety and wellbeing of others. Those directed to leave will not be permitted to return for 24 hours. Police Scotland say the measures will be used proportionately and only when necessary, as stated by Superintendent Jackie Dunbar.
The geographic scope of the zone covers Glasgow Central Station and St Enoch Square. It is bounded by St Vincent Place, Glassford Street, and West Campbell Street to the opposite bank of the River Clyde, defining a specific area within the city centre.
The implementation follows concerning antisocial behavior statistics. Police Scotland data indicates there were 915 antisocial offences in the Anderston/City/Yorkhill ward between April and June 2025. Almost 45% of those offences were threatening or abusive behavior, highlighting the nature of the incidents that prompted the zone.
Enforcement data from the first month shows significant activity. Police have arrested 43 people in the first month of the dispersal zone. Officers have used their powers 438 times since the zone was introduced on 20 March, which averages to 14 times a day. The majority of warnings were to adults over 16, according to the data, with very few instances involving those under the age of 16 as noted by Superintendent Jackie Dunbar.
Details about the arrests reveal specific breaches. Those arrested had returned to the area in breach of dispersal warnings, Police Scotland stated. Furthermore, 14 of the 43 arrests were connected to other offences including breach of the peace, drugs possession, police assault, possession of an offensive weapon, and two in connection with sexual assault, according to Police Scotland.
Age demographics indicate that very few instances involved those under the age of 16, Superintendent Jackie Dunbar noted, emphasizing the focus on adult offenders.
The legal framework for these powers stems from the Antisocial Behaviour etc. (Scotland) Act 2004, which introduced dispersal zone powers in Scotland. A review three years later found they had been used on 14 occasions in 11 separate areas including Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Aberdeen, showing historical application across the country.
Effectiveness of dispersal zones has been documented in previous assessments. According to multiple reports, the review found dispersal zones were effective in reducing anti-social behavior, sometimes improving after just a couple of weekends. Dispersal zones have been used in smaller towns like Dumfries and Dingwall, and once imposed on an entire village, Mid Calder in West Lothian, as noted in research.
Police are working with partners including Glasgow City Council, local businesses, and support services, Police Scotland stated, highlighting a collaborative approach to enforcement.
Operational challenges that dispersal zones aim to address include ending the 'cat and mouse' problem for police officers who often found trouble makers had moved on by the time they arrived, according to research. The new powers gave officers a way to deal with anti-social behavior not serious enough for stronger enforcement, research indicates, providing a tool for intermediate-level incidents.
Legal consequences for non-compliance are clear: failing to comply with a dispersal order became a criminal offence leading to arrest under the act, research shows, underscoring the enforcement mechanism.
Recently, dispersal powers have been used alongside new Firework Control Zones in parts of Edinburgh following repeated incidents around Bonfire Night, research notes, indicating broader applications in Scotland.
Police Scotland said the zone will continue to be monitored and kept under review, according to the force, ensuring ongoing assessment of its impact.
Key unknowns persist regarding enforcement criteria and measurable impacts. What specific criteria or thresholds are used by police to determine if behavior is 'impacting safety and wellbeing' enough to issue a dispersal warning has not been clarified. Additionally, how many of the 438 uses of powers resulted in actual arrests versus warnings or other actions is unspecified, and what has been the measurable impact on antisocial behavior rates in the zone since its introduction in March remains to be seen. Councillor Angus Millar emphasized that Glasgow city centre is a safe place to be and a fantastic place to live, work, and visit. Superintendent Jackie Dunbar added that the powers are used proportionately and only when necessary, and noted that the powers provide officers with an additional tool to address anti-social behavior and help keep people safe. She also stated that the majority of those issued with warnings have been adults, with very few instances involving those under 16.