McDonald's drive thru boy racers' defiant car horn barrage

A resident who lives close to Blackpole Retail Park in Worcester said he felt McDonald's and police should do more to stop the ongoing antisocial antics of drivers outside the fast food restaurant which is open 24 hours.

The incident started at around 10.50pm on Tuesday and the resident, who did not wish to be identified, estimated eight cars were involved. He believes the way to stop them may be to take their cars off them under section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002.

In the recent past, the same resident says he has seen drivers performing doughnuts late at night in the retail park. He had hoped the new system would begin to give residents more peace and quiet. 

CAMERAS: ANPR cameras and signs at Blackpole Retail Park (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

He said: "The honking lasted 12 minutes. It was an absolute barrage of horn honking. It was totally deliberate and designed to antagonise and say 'up yours' to residents.

"The new ANPR camera system just gives them a get-out-of-jail-free card. My way of thinking is that, because of this system in place, it should put the responsibility on McDonald's. 

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"The problem isn't going to go away. It's almost a sticking plaster approach. The drivers are breaking the law and the police should be sorting them out. I rang the police on 101. I gave up after being on hold for 25 minutes. I feel McDonald's are not doing enough themselves. It is because McDonald's is open that there is a problem. They would not be there if there was no McDonald's."

The Worcester News understands the cameras have been introduced to mitigate potential anti-social behaviour. The intention is the new measures do not affect genuine customers with devices provided for them to log their car registrations if they visit within restricted hours. 

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.

Elgar Retail Park and the Blackpole Retail Park both now have the signs and cameras.

Cllr Jill Desayrah is campaigning against the possibility of another drive thru, rumoured to be a Starbucks, at Elgar Retail Park with a peaceful protest this Saturday.

She said: “It appears that drive-through businesses can avoid licensing restrictions that other sorts of business must comply with.

"This is perhaps one reason why they are so popular with food retailers. However, the antisocial fallout is both considerable and persistent.

"Certainly, these appalling examples of nighttime misbehaviour at McDonald’s redoubles my determination to object to any more such businesses appearing at either the Blackpole or Elgar retail parks.

"As regards McDonalds, I am seeking assistance and advice from Worcestershire Regulatory Services on these issues and what, if anything, can be done about them."

Safer Neighbourhood Inspector for Worcester City Tanya Beckett said: “SNT are aware of these incidents, and we have already been in contact to actively patrol and have already identified individuals that contribute to this anti-social behaviour.

“We will be contacting the owners of the businesses at the retail park and the owners of the estate about the issues here, including the possibility of restricting the use of the car park at night.

“We continue to work with the community, retailers, and the council to respond to these concerns.

“We would urge members of the public to report any incidents via our website at Report a crime | West Mercia Police.

“Alternatively, information can be shared anonymously with the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by visiting www.crimestoppers-org.uk .”

A McDonald’s spokesperson said: "We are aware of some incidents of anti-social behaviour in the Blackpole Retail Park car park. We strive to be a good neighbour in the communities in which we operate and work to address any anti-social behaviour in the vicinity of our restaurants. We are reaching out to the retail park management company and the local Police to work out how we can work together to be a part of the solution.

"Following the removal of 24 hour security guards by the retail park management company, after 9pm there is a strict 30 minute parking limit in place which is only extended in extenuating circumstances 

"Our restaurant has been operating as a 24 hour restaurant for many years now and has always endeavoured to fulfil the conditions of its late night licence and fully co-operate with the police and our neighbours."