AUTOMATIC number plate recognition will be put in place after residents started a petition to stop anti-social car meetups in a Sainsbury’s car park.

A meeting was held on Wednesday, October 27 to discuss anti-social problems caused by car meets in the car park of Sainsbury’s in Wallop Drive.

The meeting was attended by the store manager, facility management company Mitie, Hampshire Police and Cllr Stephen Reid (Conservative, Basingstoke South West), who has supported the petition.

Cllr Reid, said: "The conversation was both encouraging and frustrating. I was encouraged that practical step are being taken to address this nuisance.

“It was frustrating to hear how the organisers seem set on deliberately organising meets that they know may result in anti-social behaviour rather than co-operating with the Police in advance.

"I was pleased to see all the interested parties round the table and will continue to monitor this problem.

“If it does not improve, I will press for a permanent ANPR installation and any physical changes to the car park that might make it less attractive for car meets of this kind."

As previously reported by the Gazette an online petition started by resident Mark Burrows stated that the car park has become an increasingly popular late night meeting place for car enthusiasts.

Mark said that on an “almost nightly occurrence” at around 9.30pm residents in the area are bothered by “intense engine revving” as well as doughnut stunts, wheelspins and “loud unsociable music up to and often past midnight”.

Mark said that there is often car racing on Long Cross Lane and Winchester Road.

He called for “swift action” to be taken to keep the community safe.

He added: “This is far more than an anti-social concern but a serious safety issue. With the growing number of attendees, late night shop staff, shoppers and passing members of the public using the car park, it is only a matter of time before the irresponsible behaviour by the small minority at these events will cause serious injury or fatality without intervention.”

Cllr Stephen Reid expressed his support of the petition and confirmed to the Gazette that “it is an issue that must be addressed”.

Mitie was contacted for comment but denied being responsible for the car park.

The Gazette has also contacted Sainsbury’s for a comment.