ANTISOCIAL driving by boy racers including 'dangerous' doughnuts appears to have stopped after cameras were brought in at two retail parks but the jury is still out on whether it will work in future.
The ANPR cameras and signs have been introduced at Elgar Retail Park and Blackpole Retail Park in Blackpole, Worcester, which residents say had in the past been used for car meets.
The Worcester News understands the cameras have been introduced to mitigate potential anti-social behaviour but will not affect genuine customers with devices for them to log their car registrations if they visit within restricted hours.
However, 'boy racers' are said to be avoiding Blackpole retail parks earning a cautious note of welcome from residents.
Drivers face fines if they do not register their vehicle within the restricted period.
Meanwhile, momentum is gathering with a peaceful and non-disruptive protest this weekend against a further drive-thru business at Elgar Retail Park which some residents fear will add to existing antisocial behaviour.
READ MORE: Elgar Retail Park coffee shop drive thru protest planned
READ MORE: McDonald's and KFC drive thru 'boy racers' face big fines
Mike Stafford, of Joines Close, said: "I've not noticed the sound of roaring engines or squealing tyres recently, so while I'm not always the most observant resident, that would suggest to me there's been an improvement."
One resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "Since the article about the restrictions we have had no trouble. It is like someone has waved a magic wand.
"If it does work here the problem could just move them somewhere else. The police need to target them and sort them out."
We reported last week how warning signs and ANPR cameras have appeared at both the Blackpole Retail Park and the Elgar Retail Park in Blackpole, Worcester.
Parking is now prohibited between 9pm and 6am at both retail parks with enforcement managed by UK Parking Control and drivers facing fines of up to £100.
Both retail parks are popular with young people - the Elgar Retail Park has a KFC drive thru and the Blackpole Retail Park a McDonald's drive thru.
Cllr Jill Desayrah, who has organised the protest, is concerned the new drive thru will be 'a magnet for boy racers who want to do doughnuts'.
"It's just another reason for them to make the journey," she said.
The application for the drive-thru seeks approval for 'unrestricted trading hours' which has led to concerns from residents about noise, especially as some say they are already disturbed by the tannoy from KFC.
The proposals would result in a loss of 35 spaces, although 11 additional spaces would be provided elsewhere within the car park leading to an overall loss of 24 spaces.
Objections from residents have centred on concerns the development would generate extra traffic on an already congested Blackpole Road.
Residents have complained to West Mercia Police about anti-social driving, such as drivers performing doughnuts in the car park of the Blackpole Retail Park and sounding car horns late at night.
Safer Neighbourhood inspector for Worcester City Tanya Beckett said: “SNT are aware of and are working with the community, retailers, and the council to respond to these concerns.
“The team have already been in contact to actively patrol and have already identified individuals that contribute to this anti-social behaviour.
“There have already been several formal road traffic disposals as well as education and engaging with local motorists.
“The team and council are working towards longer term engineering solutions too.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel