Inverurie burger van receives license amid safety concerns

Local council approves burger van despite worries about pedestrian safety

Inverurie burger van receives license amid safety concerns

In a recent decision that has stirred debate within the community, a burger van in Inverurie has been granted a street trader’s license despite significant concerns regarding pedestrian safety. The applicant, Ahmad Araman, has been operating from his food truck for several months and sought to establish a permanent location near the town’s railway station.

Concerns raised by local officials

The application faced scrutiny from Aberdeenshire Council roads officials, who expressed fears that the burger van’s location could lead to dangerous situations for pedestrians. Anne Buchan, a representative from the council, highlighted the potential risk of passersby being “pushed onto the road” due to inappropriate parking and customer congestion. She stated, “It’s such a busy location in the town centre,” emphasizing the need for safety in a high-traffic area.

Despite these concerns, Buchan acknowledged that relocating the van further back could mitigate the risks. The discussion at the Garioch area committee meeting was intense, with officials urging caution while also recognizing the potential benefits of the food truck to the local economy.

Community support for the burger van

Accompanied by a translator, Mr. Araman defended his application, arguing that this location was optimal for his business. The translator noted that the area had been thoroughly assessed and would not disrupt the neighborhood’s character. Support from local councillors played a crucial role in the decision-making process. Councillor Neil Baillie pointed out that the site previously housed a taxi booking office without any safety incidents.

East Garioch councillor Dominic Lonchay countered the objections, stating that the concerns were based on assumptions about parking behavior. He argued that these assumptions should not dictate the outcome of the application. Ultimately, the committee voted unanimously to grant the license, albeit with the condition that it be reviewed after one year to monitor any arising issues.

Operational details and future plans

The Inverurie burger van is set to operate daily from 9 AM to 4 PM, providing residents and visitors with convenient access to food options. Mr. Araman has plans to upgrade his current trailer to a mobile van that can be removed each night, further addressing safety concerns related to parking and congestion.

This decision reflects a growing trend in local governance where community needs are balanced against safety concerns. As food trucks become increasingly popular, the challenge remains to find suitable locations that serve both business interests and public safety.