Council chiefs are to clamp down on "vehicle related anti-social behaviour" at Ayr's seafront car park. Officials said a range of prevention measures will be implemented at Blackburn Road over the coming months.
Activities such as engine revving, dangerous driving and large gatherings of vehicles have led to growing concerns among local residents.
Immediate measures
Police and officials from the Ayrshire Roads Alliance are now set to implement immediate measures including the introduction of an "education programme" aimed at reducing anti-social behaviour, improving public safety and minimising noise disturbance to locals.
The council said "further engineering options" are currently being assessed and will be implemented as soon as practicably possible. Once these measures are in place, any anti-social behaviour may be subject to parking enforcement action and £100 fines. Police will also be carrying out regular patrols of the area.
Official statements
South Ayrshire Council’s Policy Lead for Leisure and Community Services, Councillor Chris Cullen, said: “Unfortunately, the issue of anti-social behaviour at Blackburn Road Car Park in Ayr has been a recurring problem, particularly in the summer months. Residents and visitors should feel safe within the area and we have been liaising closely with colleagues at Police Scotland and the Ayrshire Roads Alliance to implement measures to prevent this behaviour.”
Barrie McDonnell, Strategic Manager, Roads, Network and Maintenance, Ayrshire Roads Alliance, said: “We are aware of the anti-social behaviour taking place at Blackburn Road car park and are working alongside colleagues at South Ayrshire Council and Police Scotland to determine an appropriate solution.”
Police enforcement
Locality Policing Sgt Stewart Slaven said: “We recognise the disruption antisocial driving can cause. Driving in such a manner puts you, your passengers, and other road users at risk of harm and has the potential to cause serious collisions and injuries. The use of vehicles in any form of antisocial driving will not be tolerated. We are continuing to work with partner agencies on this issue and have officers carrying out regular patrols in this area to engage with drivers and take enforcement action where necessary. Anyone with concerns or information regarding antisocial driving should contact Police Scotland by calling 101.”
In response to incidents relating to car cruises at the Blackburn Road area of Ayr over the last 12 months, police have stopped approximately 250 vehicles and dealt with 25 offences by issuing Fixed Penalty Notices and/or reports to the Prosecutor Fiscal.
In response to incidents relating to anti-social behaviour over the last 12 months, police have issued 40 Road Traffic Offences and 10 Anti-Social Behaviour Offences by issuing Fixed Penalty and/or reports to the Prosecutor Fiscal.
