Agenda item

JP McGivney provided an update on the Footfall Survey, detailing the current status and activities related to the project. The Key Points included that:-

• eleven late-night venues signed up to participate in the survey, providing data on footfall, which referred to the number of people entering their establishments, rather than financial metrics like cash taken or profit;
• a clicker system was used to record footfall, ensuring transparency and anonymity. Participants' individual data would not be disclosed until all responses were collected to maintain confidentiality;
• the survey covered two timeframes:-

o  comparing 23 December 2024 to 6 January 2025 with the same   period 2023/24 - six venues reported a total footfall increase of 19%; and

o  comparing December 2019 and December 2024 - six venues reported a decrease of 36% in footfall;

• reflecting on data from 2009, the survey examined footfall between 10pm and 4.30am, coinciding with late-night bus service hours;
• whilst the data was rich with figures, it currently lacked statistical analysis, focusing instead on year-on-year comparisons. Notably, common assault incidents showed a dip in 2023 but remained consistent with 2022 figures; and
• the data was collected from 23 December 2023 to 6 January 2024, aligning with the operation of late-night buses.

The update highlighted the ongoing efforts to understand footfall trends in late-night venues and their implications for public safety and the nighttime economy.

The significant impact of perception on public safety and behaviour was highlighted, particularly regarding the City Centre. The Key Points included that:-

• footfall numbers from fifteen to twenty years ago would have been much higher, indicating a shift in public perception of safety that did not necessarily align with actual crime statistics;
• members agreed that perception of safety significantly influenced people's behaviour, regardless of the actual safety data. Individuals may avoid the City Centre due to feelings of insecurity, which could persist despite evidence to the contrary;
• the Chairperson shared a personal anecdote about avoiding Union Terrace Gardens prior to the masterplan completion, due to fear of assault, despite low crime rates in that area;
• concerns were raised about social media narratives regarding asylum seekers and crime, which could exacerbate public fears. Police data did not support claims of increased criminality among asylum seekers in the City Centre;
• the perception that increasing the number of taxi drivers would enhance safety was discussed. However, examples from Glasgow indicated that simply having more taxis did not necessarily correlate with improved safety or accessibility;
• plans were made to include the footfall survey in the next meeting, along with data insights from NHS Grampian and Scottish health data. Phil Mackie, the new NHS Grampian representative, was tasked with gathering this information; and
• the Chairperson suggested that future discussions could explore the timing of late-night opening hours and their potential impact on safety and footfall, aiming to connect various data points for a comprehensive understanding.

The Forum resolved:-

(i)             to note that JP McGivney would provide details of the outcome of the Footfall Survey at the next Forum meeting; and

(ii)           to continue the data collection and analysis to inform strategies and initiatives, due to the complexity of addressing public perception and safety.