Vale of Glamorgan Council
Cyngor Bro Morgannwg
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Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs)

PSPOs allow Councils to place restrictions on certain behaviours in public spaces

Under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, the Vale of Glamorgan Council has the right to enforce restrictions on certain behaviours in designated areas to help maintain safety, cleanliness, and public enjoyment.

 

In the Vale, there are several PSPOs in place that cover:

  • Controlling dog-related issues (e.g. dog fouling, dogs off lead, dog exclusion zones)

  • Restricting alcohol consumption in public areas 

 

 

Review and Duration

PSPOs are valid for up to three years and must be formally reviewed at least once every three years to determine whether they are still necessary and effective. During the review, the council may choose to extend, vary, or revoke the order based on evidence and public consultation.

 

PSPOs were last reviewed on 15th July 2024 and will take affect until 14th July 2027. 

 

Enforcement

Breaching a PSPO is a criminal offence. Enforcement officers, council staff, or police officers authorised by the local authority can issue:

  • A Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN), usually up to £100

  • Or, in more serious or repeated cases, prosecution in court, which can lead to a fine of up to £1,000

Controlled Alcohol Zones

Certain public areas are designated as Controlled Alcohol Zones under our PSPO. This does not create a blanket ban on drinking alcohol, instead, it gives police or authorised officers the power to act only when alcohol consumption is linked to anti-social behaviour.

 

Action can only be taken if the drinking leads to anti-social behaviour, such as:

  • Harassment or intimidation
  • Noise disturbances
  • Littering
  • Public urination or disorderly conduct
  • Controlled Alcohol Zones Map

     

     

 

Dog Lead Areas 

In certain public areas, dogs must be kept on a lead at all times. These areas may include cemeteries, town centres, sports fields, and parks.

 

This rule is part of our PSPO to ensure dogs are under control in busy or sensitive spaces. Not following lead rules could result in a fine or other enforcement action. Please look for signs and always be prepared to put your dog on a lead when required.

 

  • Dog Lead Areas Map
     

Dog Poop Scoop Areas

To keep our parks, pavements, and public spaces clean and safe, dog owners are legally required to clean up after their dogs. Leaving dog waste behind is not only unpleasant but poses a risk to public health.

 

Under our Public Space Protection Order (PSPO), anyone who fails to remove their dog’s faeces can face a fixed penalty notice or prosecution. Please always carry bags and use the bins provided.

 

  • Dog Poop Scoop Areas Map
     

 

Dog Banned Areas

To help keep public spaces clean, safe, and enjoyable for everyone, some areas have dog bans in place. This means dogs are not allowed in certain locations, such as children's play areas, school grounds, and marked sports pitches.

 

  • Dog Banned Areas Map
     

 

Dog Beach Ban

From 01 May to 30 September dogs are banned from a number of beaches in the Vale of Glamorgan.

 

To check which beaches the ban applies to, and which beaches remain dog-friendly throughout the Summer, please see:

 

Dog Beach Ban

 

Please note that the Public Space Protection Order covering Ogmore-by-Sea is currently under review and subject to futher consultation with the local community, therefore no beach ban will be applied to Ogmore-by-Sea during the summer of 2025.

Consulations 

There are currently no ongoing consultations for PSPOs in the Vale. 

 

For more information, please contact: