Garthdee residents say ‘enough is enough’ as they call for end to car meets at Asda car park

An Aberdeen community have said “enough is enough” after “serious disorder” took place at a giant car meet in Garthdee.

The drivers of around 700 vehicles congregated at the Asda car park in the area on Saturday evening.

Police went to the scene at around midnight, with a number of arrests being made and several vehicles seized.

Some of those who took part have taken to social media to hail a fantastic and “well organised” event that brought in cars from miles around.

But following Saturday night’s incident, Police Scotland has warned such events “cannot continue”.

The Press and Journal went to the community in the south of Aberdeen on Monday to hear what locals had to say.

Sandra Fraser, who lives near the supermarket, said the noise on Saturday was the “worst” she had ever heard.

The resident first heard it at about 7pm – and it was still going strong more than three hours later.

And the noise does not just affect the humans in her home, as it scares her dogs too.

“Our dogs sometimes get spooked because the noise of their exhausts probably sound like fireworks to them,” she said.

Car ‘skidding about’ in Asda car park on Christmas Day

She recalls witnessing a car “skidding about” in the parking lot on Christmas Day a few years back.

“There should’ve been something done years ago, as it’s been going on too long now” she told us.

Sandra is clear that she is not against car meets, but does question the choice of location

“Why do they have to meet under a car park? Is the reason because the noise echoes?

“Why can’t they meet in an empty industrial estate?

“I don’t mind them meeting up, but not causing a noise that affects everyone else.”

At Saturday’s event, two men, aged 25 and 28, were arrested in connection with drugs offences.

As well as this, 14 vehicles were issued with prohibitions due to dangerous conditions, three were seized for having no insurance and the owners of eight were handed defect notices.

Fixed penalty notices were also handed out by police in connection with a further 58 offences.

Another resident who lives nearby is Robert Massie and hears the noise “a lot”.

“It’s really about time that they did something,” he told The P&J.

‘If they keep getting done for it they won’t come back’

He acknowledged that is probably “just a few” cars causing the majority of noise, but said this is “done deliberately”.

And his solution?

“All they need to is get round there as soon as it happens and get them done for anti-social behaviour.

“If they keep getting done for it they won’t come back.”

One local woman, who did not want to be named, said Saturday was the first night she had heard it.

However, she knows all too well what is going on.

A “few weeks back” she was at the Asda Bridge of Dee store at around 10pm and was “scared” by what was going on.

“The noise and the fumes were horrendous,” she said.

‘I was scared and I’m in Asda all the time’

She added: “It’s the speed that they go past you at.

“I was scared.

“I’m in Asda all the time and I’ve never experienced that before there.

“I opened the car door and the fumes kicked in. It was just horrible.”

The local woman is another resident exasperated at the situation.

“It’s been ongoing in this area for long enough,” she said.

“I pity the ones down at Ruthrieston and over at Kincorth.

“Maybe the shock of the police arriving on Saturday night might just stop it.”

Other Garthdee locals The P&J spoke to today were also aghast at the situation.

John Ewing, who lives “well up the hill” in the suburb, does not hear it from his home.

But he feels sympathy for those that live nearby and thinks the meets should be prohibited in the area.

Kevin Frain was not mincing his words about the situation and has a simple solution.

“They should be out of there,” he said.

Sophia Candy was also affected by the “very loud” noise on Saturday evening.

She said: “You could hear it from here.”

Police Scotland said more offences are expected to be identified in the coming weeks thanks to CCTV footage.

Asda: ‘Looking at ways to further deter anti-social behaviour’

A spokesman for Asda said: “The safety of our colleagues and customers is always our top priority.

“We’re 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.”

[Source: Press and Journal]