Concern is growing in Gladstone Park after reports that several caravans have been “driving erratically” through the Brent park today.
The vehicles have been spotted in the park since at least around 1pm on Wednesday, with residents describing dangerous driving along footpaths.
This is a developing story. We will update this article as more information becomes available.
What residents are saying
Councillor Tariq Dar MBE, of the Cricklewood and Mapesbury ward, has said the caravans have been “driving erratically” in the area.
Another person — a dog walker in the park — reported there were “several” vehicles “driving very fast and without care” along the footpaths and in the park.
The dog walker said: “This is very dangerous and police should be sent out.”
What we know so far
- Where: Gladstone Park, in the London Borough of Brent
- When: Spotted since at least 1pm on Wednesday, October 14
- What: Several caravans reportedly driving erratically, including along footpaths
- Who’s involved: Local councillor Tariq Dar MBE has raised the alarm
- Official response: The Metropolitan Police and Brent Council have been approached for comment
Why this matters
Gladstone Park is a popular green space used daily by dog walkers, joggers, families and children. Vehicles driving at speed along footpaths pose an obvious danger to anyone on foot — particularly children and pets who may not hear or see them coming.
The reports of “very fast” driving “without care” suggest this isn’t a case of vehicles simply passing through, but of genuinely reckless behaviour in a space designed for pedestrians.
Unauthorised encampments
While the details are still emerging, the presence of several caravans in a public park raises questions about whether this is an unauthorised encampment.
London’s parks periodically see unauthorised traveller encampments, which can cause tension with local residents. Councils have legal powers to move encampments on, but the process takes time — and in the meantime, concerns about behaviour, litter and damage to parkland often surface.
Gladstone Park itself is one of Brent’s largest green spaces, spanning 86 acres between Dollis Hill and Cricklewood. It’s home to sports facilities, a children’s playground, and woodland areas — all of which could be affected if vehicles are being driven across grass and paths.
It’s important to stress that at this stage, we don’t know the full circumstances. What is clear from residents’ reports is that the driving behaviour described is dangerous regardless of who is behind the wheel.
A councillor’s intervention
Councillor Tariq Dar’s decision to speak out publicly suggests the situation is being taken seriously at the local political level. Ward councillors are often the first port of call for residents worried about anti-social behaviour, and their intervention can accelerate the official response.
The fact that both the police and the council have been approached indicates this is being treated as more than a minor nuisance — it’s a potential public safety issue in one of the borough’s busiest parks.
What happens next
The Metropolitan Police and Brent Council have been approached for more information. Depending on what officers find, the response could range from a welfare check to enforcement action.
If the caravans are part of an unauthorised encampment, Brent Council has powers under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act to direct them to leave. Police can also act if dangerous driving or other offences are observed.
Residents who witness dangerous driving should report it to police, noting descriptions, number plates and times where safe to do so.
We will update this story as official responses come in.
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