The Welsh National Scooter Rally rode into Tenby once again over the May Bank Holiday weekend, and was described as a ‘joyous event’ - but seemingly some that took part, left a little rattled, after accusations that Pembrokeshire County Council traffic enforcement officers were a little ‘over zealous’ in handing out parking fines here and there.

Hundreds of scooter enthusiasts descended on the seaside town once again from Friday, May 1 to Monday, May 4, to enjoy a host of events organised by the Scooter Collective South Wales.

It was 25 years since the first ‘national’ rally in Tenby took place in 2001 in Kiln Park, which featured ‘Edwin Starr’ headlining. 2026 was the 12th time a national rally had been held in the seaside town, with the event alternating each year.

Entertainment and live music took place in venues across the town, with the De Valence Pavilion and Ex-Servicemen’s Club (aka The Dogs Home); as well as the ‘end of rally’ party at Tenby United Rugby Club.

The popular ‘ride-out’ took place on Saturday afternoon from Tenby RFC’s ground on Heywood Lane heading around the surrounding area. The rugby ground also hosted the The Custom Show/Traders Fair too.

However, a post on Dales Music Store’s Facebook page, sparked something of a debate, as to whether Pembrokeshire County Council’s traffic wardens had been too heavy handed in dishing out Fixed Penalty Notices, leading to Tenby’s Mayor, getting involed.

Richard Harrison from Dales also asked why the Scooter Rally didn’t seem to get the attention or support that other events held in the town such as Ironman Wales or Long Course Weekend received from Pembrokeshire County Council or Tenby Town Council, putting forward the view that the Local Authority were only too happy to ‘close roads’ and open up extra ‘car parks’ for the sporting events (as well as supporting them with financial contributions).

Mr Harrison (whose brother-in-law actor Charles Dale co-runs the music shop on High Street, and also sits as a member of Tenby Town Council) shared: “And then we have the Welsh Scooter rally a ‘not for profit’ event - so let’s book all the scooters for parking!

“No road closures, no cash hand outs - just a wonderful group. They spend money in the shops, pubs and restaurants, stay in hotels, self-catering, caravans but it seems our councillors don’t seem to want them back, not maybe good looking enough for them, not the best photo opportunity, who knows?

“Come on both our Tenby councillors and Tenby Council get a grip it’s not all about Lycra!! Thanks all who took part this weekend great to have you back some time in the future.”

One of the organisers of the Scooter Rally, Steven Morris also chipped in, stating: “In previous years there was some leeway given to scooters parking on pavememts etc, but this time we heard of scooters getting booked. Sadly in Wales these days councils seem to exist to extract as much money from motorists. I personally saw traffic wardens (enforcement officers) booking vehicles unecessarily.

“If the council wants to discourage the 1,000s of people from attending the rally again -they have certainly found a way to discourage them from coming back.”

In responding to the post, Tenby’s Mayor, Cllr Dai Morgan added to the discussion, stating that he wanted to ‘clarify a few points’.

“I can say with certainty that Tenby Town Council has never stated that the Scooter Rally is unwelcome in Tenby. It has always been a highlight of the town’s calendar, even with it alternating with Llandudno every other year,” he remarked.

“When the rally returns in two years, it will be welcomed as it always has been. Regarding the suggestion of no support from the Town Council, I’d encourage the organisers to get in touch ahead of time with anything they feel would help make the weekend more successful.

“As for parking tickets, that falls under Pembrokeshire County Council. Unfortunately, regardless of how much money is spent in town, illegal parking will still result in a ticket — something we’re all aware of.

“I’m already looking forward to the next rally and, personally, I treat all events in the same way.”

Tenby local, Nicky Lloyd and well-know scooter enthusiast, who took part once again this year commented: “Last weekend’s National Scooter Rally was an absolutely joyous event, culturally, visibly, audibly, wonderful.

“The scooter community bring so much business to our beautiful town and I have friends who run pubs and clubs who have gratefully benefitted from the incredible numbers that visited.

“PCC, Tenby Town Council, and the over zealous Traffic Enforcement Officers need to cut them some slack when it comes to parking a scooter, harmlessly out of anyone’s access and right of way.

“We are not due to receive the Rally next year but, unless we want to lose them in 2028 some kinder policing and some kinder words would be most welcome.”