Pembrokeshire motion seeks morning and evening dog access to beaches

A proposal to let dogs onto designated Pembrokeshire beach areas before 9am and after 6pm during the summer restriction season is due before county councillors on Thursday, 15 October. Councillor Rhys Jordan’s motion asks the council to request that Cabinet bring forward changes to the existing total seasonal bans. It is a proposal for further work, not an approved change to beach access.

What the motion asks for

The motion would retain the 1 May to 30 September season but replace total bans with restrictions between 9am and 6pm in designated areas. Access would be permitted outside those hours if revised rules were eventually approved and brought into force. It also asks Cabinet to consider a modern legal mechanism for the restrictions and a clearer enforcement protocol, supported by signs and public information. The proposed approach includes proportionate fixed-penalty notices rather than relying on a general warning-and-advice system.

Current rules

The council’s published beach guidance identifies Tenby North Beach and Whitesands as the locations with total bans during the summer season. Other listed beaches have partial restrictions. The seasonal period has ended for this year.

The next decision

Jordan’s motion seeks completion of consultation, legal procedures and implementation arrangements in time for 1 May 2027. That date is a requested target, not a confirmed start date for new rules. The full council meeting is scheduled for 10am on 15 October at County Hall in Haverfordwest. The next development is the council’s response to the motion and any subsequent Cabinet proposals. The agenda does not establish that consultation has started or that revised restrictions have been adopted.