"Jobs at risk" as Aberdeen burger van owners face daily street moves
A new Aberdeen City Council proposal has sparked anger among owners
Last updated 3rd Nov 2017
Food van owners are telling Northsound News that plans to make them move off the street every night will put most of them out of business.
They're unhappy with the proposal from Aberdeen City Council and dozens have already signed a petition.
A consultation is due to take place next week to discuss the move, which could also see changes to the rules of vans being beside schools.
Luca Sieron, who owns Luca's' Takeaway on Whitemyres Avenue started the petition after he recieved a letter inviting him to the meeting next week.
He said: "I spoke with most of the burger van owners, most say they'll be closing their business if the rules get approved. I would say over 100 people will lose their jobs."
"What we're worried about is moving our catering vans every day away from a trading site. That means extra hours of work waiting for the oil to cool down and wrapping all the food in boxes.
"There is also a risk of cross contamination.
"Quite a lot of vans have been parked for over 10 years in one place and have never been moved. It would be pretty much impossible for some guys to move their trailers as well.
"We're hoping they will see our point of view for that, and we're hoping that the rules will be objected."
His comments were echoed by Martin Hadden, who is co-owner of Big Baps on Craigshaw Road, Aberdeen.
Mr Hadden said: "You're talking about an extra hour in the morning and at least an hour or two in the afternoon. An eight hour day will be turning into an 11 or 12 hour day.
"The idea to move a van on a daily basis is just absolute nonsense. To be moving it from one side of town to another, practically it's not possible."
Council policy means councillors are unable to discuss the contents of the report before it is discussed at the Licensing Committee on Tuesday 7th November 2017.