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.