Two of the three gates into Vivian Park in Port Talbot will be closed after 3pm for three weeks from Monday, as police try to catch people riding e-bikes and e-scooters illegally.
Neath Port Talbot Council says leaving one way in will help officers “identify and contain” riders while the park stays open to residents.
The trial runs from Monday 12 October to Sunday 1 November.
Which Vivian Park gate is open after 3pm
Week starting Monday 12 October: Moorland Road gate only.
Week starting Monday 19 October: the Vivian Park gate only.
Week starting Monday 26 October: Sandown Road gate only.
One gate will always be open, and signs will go up around the park, the council says.
11 youths referred over Vivian Park antisocial behaviour last weekend
South Wales Police says officers identified 11 youths involved in antisocial behaviour in the park last weekend, who have been referred into its antisocial behaviour process.
Five youths were also dealt with for riding e-scooters illegally, and two more are being dealt with over fires in the park, the force says.
Inspector Andrew Price said the park is being targeted under Operation Tanager, with both high-visibility and plain-clothes patrols.
He said: “Where youths have been identified as being involved in anti-social behaviour and other crime, they will be dealt with robustly.”
He also urged parents to know where their children are and what they are doing. “The people of Port Talbot deserve to make use of Vivian Park and its facilities without this being ruined by unruly youths,” he said.
The force says it is working with the council, schools, housing associations and Ospreys in the Community on activities to steer young people away from trouble.
Council: “We know how valued Vivian Park is”
Cllr Alun Llewelyn, the council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for housing and community safety, said the trial followed concerns from residents.
He said: “Residents have told us they are concerned about antisocial behaviour in Vivian Park, and it’s important that we listen and respond.”
He added that the council knew how valued the park was and wanted “residents and families to feel safe and confident using it”.
How to report e-bike and e-scooter riders in Vivian Park
Police are asking people to report antisocial behaviour and illegal bike or scooter use. Reports feed into Operation Grebe, the force’s crackdown on illegal bikes across South Wales.
It helps to include the location, date and time, a description of the bike or scooter, who was involved and anything known about where bikes are kept.
Reports can be made through the South Wales Police online portal (external link, opens in a new tab).
In Swansea, the council brought dangerous e-bike riding under its street rules last month, with £75 on-the-spot fines.
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