Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is reminding residents and visitors that alcohol-related Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) remain in place in Pontypridd and Aberdare town centres to help keep these areas safe, welcoming and enjoyable for everyone.
New figures show that the Council's Alcohol-related Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) is continuing to have a really positive impact in Pontypridd and Aberdare, helping to tackle alcohol-related anti-social behaviour and keep our town centres and public spaces safe and welcoming for everyone.
So far in 2026, officers have spoken to 164 people in relation to the PSPO across Pontypridd and Aberdare, and 149 did not drink alcohol in the prohibited public spaces again - showing that in most cases a simple conversation is enough to change behaviour and keep everyone safe.
Only 15 individuals did reoffend, with only a very small number requiring further enforcement action. So far this year, officers have only has to issue three Community Protection Warning Notices (CPWNs) and four Community Protection Notices (CPNs) to those who continued to cause problems. Highlighting that, that whist enforcement is a last resort – we will take action against those who continuously threaten the safety of our communities.
The PSPO is enforced by the Council and South Wales Police and gives authorised officers powers to deal with alcohol-related anti-social behaviour in public places. Dedicated no-alcohol zones remain in place in Pontypridd and Aberdare town centres.
Councillor Bob Harris, Cabinet Member for Communities, said:
"We know lots of people will be making the most of our town centres, parks and outdoor spaces over the summer.
"The vast majority of people enjoy these spaces responsibly, and these latest figures show that the PSPO continues to help us keep our communities safe, welcoming and enjoyable for everyone.
"It's particularly encouraging that, of the 164 people spoken to by officers this year, 149 did not reoffend. This shows that early conversations and engagement work, with most people responding positively when concerns are raised.
"We want everyone to have a great summer, support local businesses and enjoy spending time with friends and family, while also making sure our town centres remain pleasant places for everyone."
The Council is also reminding residents to plan their journey home and if they are using a taxi, make sure they are licensed!
The message from the Council's Licensing Team is clear: bogus taxis and cowboy cabs are not welcome in Rhondda Cynon Taf and those operating illegally can face prosecution.
Council officers regularly carry out spot checks and investigate reports of unlicensed taxi activity. Licensed drivers and vehicles must undergo rigorous checks to ensure they meet the standards required to provide a safe and reliable service for passengers.
Residents are encouraged to take a few simple steps to stay safe when travelling home:
- Only use licensed taxis.
- Check the vehicle's licence plate.
- Send a photo of the taxi or licence plate to a friend or family member so they know you are travelling home safely.
- Make sure the driver and vehicle display the required licensing information.
In Rhondda Cynon Taf, licensed Hackney Carriages:
- Are black in colour.
- Display a roof sign showing"Taxi" or"Tacsi".
- Have a Council-issued licence plate displayed on the rear of the vehicle.
- Display official Council door signs on both front doors.
The latest figures build on the success of the PSPO since it was first introduced. In a consultation carried out before the Order was extended in 2024, 95% of respondents supported its continuation, while 66% said it had improved quality of life in their communities.
The Council is reminding residents that the PSPO is not about stopping people from enjoying themselves responsibly. Instead, it helps tackle behaviour that has a negative impact on others and ensures public spaces remain welcoming for residents, visitors and businesses throughout the summer.
Posted on 17/08/2026