Calls to Restrict Car Park Access After Large Car Meet-Up
An Aberdeen councillor has urged a supermarket to limit access to its car park after closing hours to prevent gatherings of large numbers of cars.
This appeal follows two arrests made during an event involving hundreds of vehicles on Saturday at the Asda store car park on Garthdee Road.
Police Scotland emphasized that such events cannot continue if they compromise public safety or negatively impact surrounding communities.
Asda stated it is exploring additional measures to deter anti-social behaviour in its car park.
Impact on Local Residents
Councillor Ian Yuill, representing the local area, highlighted that these meet-ups occur weekly and have caused significant distress among residents.
"It is every weekend and not just one night of the weekend," he told BBC Scotland News.
"It causes noise, it causes disturbance, and I have had people saying they are planning on selling their homes.
"The engines revving, the bangs go on very often into the wee small hours, well after midnight."
Police Response and Enforcement Actions
Police Scotland reported that Saturday's meet-up involved approximately 700 cars. Two men, aged 25 and 28, were arrested on charges related to road traffic offences and drug offences.
Enforcement actions included issuing prohibitions to fourteen vehicles due to dangerous conditions and seizing three vehicles that were driven without insurance.
Additionally, eight vehicles received defect notices, and 58 offences concerning construction, use, and MOTs were addressed through fixed penalty notices.
Authorities anticipate identifying further offences in the upcoming weeks.
Calls for Action from Councillor and Asda's Response
Yuill has called on Asda to restrict access to their car park after the store closes at midnight.
"The police are well aware of the problem and they have taken action in the past, but the problem has not gone away and certainly last weekend seems to have been particularly bad.
"It is a private car park, it is controlled by Asda and it is open to Asda to close the car park, close access to their car park when their store is no longer open and that would go a long way to solving the problem."
An Asda spokesperson confirmed the company’s commitment to working with local authorities.
"We are working closely with the police and local community council and are looking at ways to further deter anti-social behaviour in our car park, while ensuring it continues to meet the needs of the vast majority who use it responsibly."
Community Engagement
Garthdee Community Council has previously met with store management to address the issue.
In a social media post, the council encouraged residents to share feedback on how the anti-social behaviour affects them.
They expressed hope that this input would assist in creating a safer and more peaceful environment for all residents of Garthdee.
