The night of Saturday 2 September into the early hours of Sunday 3 September saw a rather large gathering of Boy Racers on Tesco’s car park, Stratford Road, Monkspath.
I thought it might be useful to update you about how we might move forwards in addressing the increasing noise from Tesco car park in the night time, which saw a huge gathering and excessive noise on Saturday night last (see photographs to show a serious amount f rubber laid down).
There are a few irons in the pot:
I have received a good response from both Tesco and Notcutts and am meeting with the store managers this coming Friday. It is important to recognise they alone can not be held responsible for dealing with this anti social behaviour, but I note the barriers were in place on Sunday evening. I will update you following our meeting.
County Court Injunction: the injunction lapsed (after two renewals) and a further one could not be sought due to lack of firm evidence one was needed – judges will not allow one without due process. We also saw Average Speed Cameras (ASC) installed. With this in mind Monkspath resident Keith Green (pictured) is speaking at my cabinet decision session tomorrow evening (6pm) and will formally request both the council and police seek the return of the injunction.
I support the request because it appears the joy riders/boy racers have tried to circumnavigate the ASC by using the car parks more often. There was a report of over 200 people gathered on the car park on Saturday night so one seems an appropriate measure to request.
Police action: I am aware of a WMP operation looking at the issue and will meet with local police to ascertain what powers they are using to not only deter these events in future but also what enforcement action they are taking.
Update from this mornings meeting:
My meeting with the managers of both Tesco’s and Notcutts this morning was extremely positive. It is important to note they are also victims here, with barriers previously being broken, as well trees by the people intent on disturbing the peace. Tesco’s recognise they need to ensure the barriers are down in the evening but they are arranging some other measures to help address the situation.
Car parking times will change to reflect the situation. Between 10pm and midnight drivers will be able to stay for just one hour only. After midnight and up to 6am it will be for a maximin of 15 minutes. These changes should be in place within two weeks.
Incident Team – their corporate incident team will visit to determine what other measures can be taken to help deter visits by boy racers, yet not impinge on the shopping experience. Barriers may be increased and/or strengthened; speed humps may be installed but all this will be subject to a review.
Mobile CCTV – Tesco’s intend to use their mobile CCTV facility for use on the car park to obtain evidence where appropriate.
Police visits – they encourage visits by police and motorway patrol officers in the evening especially, where free tea/coffee and refreshments will be made available for them during their breaks.
County Court Injunction – the councils highway officers are meeting with their legal counterparts, as well as police officers from West Midlands Police ‘Operation Hercules’ team to look at seeking a renewal of the County Court Injunction. There is a substantial amount of evidence provided by local residents as well as number plate recognition from the car park that may be able to assist in ensuring suitable evidence is acquired.
All in all, a cracking response from Tesco, Notcutts and the Council officers.
Ken Hawkins 