Last Thursday was the first time no banning orders were handed out to car cruisers at Blackwood Asda since the scheme began six weeks ago.
Blackwood Neighbourhood Policing Team Sergeant, Neil Jones says: “Recent feedback from the community has been really positive – with the co-operation of Asda we have further reduced incidents of antisocial driving which has allowed residents to use the retail outlets on a Thursday evening without facing unnecessary intimidation from large groups.”
Banning Notices given out to date at Blackwood Asda.
Week one (Thursday October 6) 85 Banning Notices issued
Week two (Thursday October 13) 22 Banning Notices issued
Week three (Thursday October 20) one Banning Notice issued
Week four (Thursday October 27) – five Banning Notices issued
Week five (Thursday November 3) – six Banning Notices issued, although staff did start handing out notices during the week totalling a further 16.
Week six (Thursday November 10) 1 Banning Notice issued
Week seven (Thursday November 17) – No Banning Notices issued
This week is also Road Safety Week, and Gwent Police say they are coming down hard on motorists who flout the law.
Risca, Bargoed and Rhymney officers will be working with partner agencies targeting those driving without a seatbelt in the area. Those caught driving without a seatbelt will face a fixed penalty of £60.
Blackwood officers will continue to tackle car cruisers in their area.
To date 136 Banning Notices have been issued to motorists over seven weeks. The 12-month Banning Notices are issued by Asda to anyone found meeting in an antisocial manner in the car park.
Bedwas and Caerphilly residents have recently had their say at their local PACT Meeting and traffic issues are a priority for both the Llanbradach and St James wards in Bedwas and the Aber Valley and St Martins wards in Caerphilly.
Ystrad Mynach officers have also been dealing with parking issues in the Nelson area as well as reminding parents throughout Ystrad Mynach to make sure their children wear seatbelts in the front and back seats of cars.