Residents of a Nottinghamshire town have shared how noise from a car cruising hotspot has "got better" over the last two months. Toton Lane Park and Ride, in Stapleford Lane, had become a popular place for car meets, with residents becoming increasingly frustrated by the noise of revving engines and tyres screeching.
But those living close to the site now say the situation has improved, just two months after the noise was described as "horrendous." In a recent NET (Nottingham Express Transit) operational performance and progress update, NET said "there have been reports of anti-social driving activity from local residents living near the Toton Lane park and ride site."
In April 2023, Nottinghamshire Police seized a £130,000 Porsche for taking to the roads without insurance, while patrolling a car meet at the tram stop on Sunday, April 30. But when Nottinghamshire Live spoke to residents in May 2023, many said they have been hearing cars at the park and ride for over a year.
Dr Melvyn Kinsey, 81, said: "Since we last spoke, I think I've only heard it once, but no more, it's not bothered me since. I'd say it's got better.
"It's not bothered me at all and I think the one time that it did happen, it was at the weekend." In May, the Toton resident had noted how the events were disrupting the peaceful area which had been a sought-after home location for those in Toton and Stapleford.
Other Toton residents echoed Dr Kinsey's view that the problem has been getting better. June Holroyd, a 64-year-old retiree said: "When it happens it can be quite loud where we are. If we hear it it's on a Saturday and you can hear the engines.
"But I've not heard them for a while, it's definitely been a while." Back in April, tyre marks could be seen left at the park and ride after car meets had taken place in the evenings.
There was also tyre debris left at the site. In its operational performance and progress update, put forward to Nottingham City Council, NET detailed measures it has taken to prevent anti-social behaviour at its sites.
It said: "During the May half-term week, revenue protection operations and security patrols were increased, with the support of the police and local community group, the Pythian Club. Other NET employees have carried out high-visibility patrols across the system.
"As a result, several activities have been prevented, including car meets at Phoenix Park and Toton Lane park and ride sites and the actions of groups of teenagers have been disrupted. NET continues to support and attend the monthly transport hub meetings, which bring together Nottinghamshire Police, British Transport Police, Community Policing, city-centre management, universities, and other transport operators.
"The forum is used to share data and intelligence on anti-social behaviour trends across the city." Most recently, NET has enforced stricter parking enforcement action for members of the public using its park and ride sites.
On July 4, the tram provider announced that it would be extending parking enforcement action to its Wilkinson Street Park and Ride and Toton Lane Park and Ride sites, meaning those who park outside marked bays, misuse disabled spaces, park their car without buying a valid NET ticket, or have a valid pass for travel on the tram, could have their vehicle clamped.
The extension follows the success of parking enforcement action at The Forest Park and Ride. Bruce Cormen, 74, who lives near the Toton Lane stop added: "We haven't heard the noise, but I'm aware that other residents have.
"I'm against people using the car park for that sort of thing." But some residents say they still hear the noise.
Chloe Oldham, 23, who works in a bar, said: "We can definitely hear it here. It's not that frequent but when we do hear it it's loud. It's probably the weekends when we hear it the most."
A NET spokesman said: “We are pleased that local residents have noticed a reduction in noise from the Toton and Park and Ride facility following a series of operations involving our security teams and local police officers targeting anti-social behaviour in the area.
“We are not complacent, however, and will continue to work with partners to monitor the situation and take action whenever necessary, including sharing high-definition CCTV with the Police when incidents are reported to help identify those responsible.
“Regular security patrols will also continue on the site, and we would also urge anyone who witnesses any suspicious activity to contact the police immediately.”
