Morrisons and Sainsbury's car meets crackdown ramps up

Wiltshire Police says it has seen a “noticeable improvement” in the number of disruptive incidents at the Sainsbury’s car park, on Bath Road in Chippenham, since automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras were installed.

The restrictions prevent drivers from parking at the site for longer than two hours while the store is open and 10 minutes while it is closed.

But it is believed that some of these gatherings have since moved to the Morrison’s car park off West Cepen Way, where similar measures are not currently in place.

Inspector Pete Foster says officers will continue to patrol the Chippenham area to prevent any anti-social behaviour relating to meetings of car owners.

READ MORE: Sainsbury's 'fines drivers £7,000' over car park rules

ANPR cameras in Sainsbury's car park (Image: Newsquest) He said: "Following a number of complaints from residents living near Sainsbury’s on Bath Road, in relation to noise and anti-social driving in the evenings, our neighbourhood officers have worked closely with the store management to find a solution.

“We are pleased to report that the store has begun using ANPR cameras preventing drivers from staying longer than two hours (when the store is open) and 10 minutes after 10pm.

“We have seen a noticeable improvement since these cameras were enforced and hope residents will welcome this development.

“Our officers will continue to patrol the areas regularly as a preventative measure and we would continue to urge residents to report any further concerns.”

A report to Chippenham Town Council from Wiltshire Police’s Chippenham Neighbourhood Team revealed that, since the installation of cameras at Sainsbury’s, officers have received complaints about similar issues at Morrisons.

It added that PC Paul Croft is currently seeking a meeting with a representative from the retailer’s head office to discuss how the store’s management could help curb the gatherings.

Morrisons has warned there is CCTV at its Chippenham car park (Image: Newsquest) Police say the installation of ANPR cameras at Sainsbury’s has been “successful”, with £7,000 in fines handed out during the first five weeks they were operational.

Sainsbury’s told this paper it was unable to verify those figures and added that they brought in the measures to ensure customers could find a parking space.

Police believe issues with “reckless driving” on both the A350 and Hungerdown Lane are linked to these meetings.

The force has also been conducting speed checks on routes used by those taking part.