Carmarthenshire council is consulting on plans to introduce a new public space protection order (PSPO) at North Dock in Llanelli to tackle vehicle-related antisocial behaviour that residents describe as “relentless” and a “Mad Max” environment.
The order would target “nuisance vehicle gatherings, unnecessary engine revving, excessive noise, racing, drifting, wheel spinning, burnouts, obstruction and driving or riding in a manner that causes, or is likely to cause, nuisance, annoyance, danger, damage or a detrimental impact on the area”, according to the council.
Residents report nightly disturbances
Six weeks ago, residents living in New Dock told WalesOnline that living in the area was “heaven during the day and hell at night”. A letter sent by a group of residents to the council and Dyfed-Powys Police in August said that for several years the community had been subjected to nightly antisocial behaviour that had steadily escalated.
The letter said: “Almost every evening, from around 8.30pm until the early hours of the morning, modified cars and motorcycles descend on North Dock. What follows is not simply an inconvenience. Vehicles race around what has effectively become a measured circuit, with drivers and riders appearing to compete against one another for the fastest lap times. The noise is relentless and deprives residents of sleep, peace, and any sense of normality.”
The letter also stated: “Several are on medication just to sleep – totally unacceptable.” One 55-year-old resident said: “It’s like Mad Max out there. The car park is full of ‘donut’ rings. If we could move we would but there’s no way we would be able to sell the property.”
Enforcement powers and consultation
If the order is introduced, police officers, police community support officers, and council officers would be able to take enforcement action against individuals, including warnings, fines and, where appropriate, further formal enforcement action.
The council is also seeking views on renewing an existing drugs and alcohol PSPO covering Llanelli town centre, which is due to expire in January 2027. Both consultations are open until October 12.
Councillor Aled Vaughan Owen, Carmarthenshire council’s cabinet member with responsibility for enforcement, said: “The council is encouraging everyone who lives, works, visits, or operates a business in Llanelli to take part in the consultations. These consultations are an opportunity for people to have their say on proposals aimed at tackling antisocial behaviour and supporting the safe enjoyment of public spaces in Llanelli. We want to hear from residents, businesses, visitors, and community groups before any decisions are made. Their feedback will help us determine whether these proposed measures are necessary, proportionate, and effective in addressing the issues that have been identified.”
Tom Grace of Dyfed-Powys Police said: “The current PSPO has given officers a valuable tool that's been successful in reducing antisocial behaviour in Llanelli. We want to continue to make public spaces safe for everyone and the PSPO provides a quick and effective way to deal with alcohol-related antisocial behaviour. It's important that we hear from everyone in the community and gather their views on continuing to provide these powers, introducing new powers, and ensuring that they remain proportionate and necessary.”
