A car repair centre in Cardiff has claimed that a roadworks diversion has resulted in 20 vehicles crashing into its building. Crash Bang Wallop, a company which provides services ranging from alloy wheel repairs and refurbishment to accident repair work, said vehicles have been sent down a narrow lane, leading to collisions with its repair centre.
Business owner raises safety concerns
The company's Christopher Williams told WalesOnline that it was a "serious concern" for staff and customers. However, Cardiff Council insisted it had received no reports concerning collisions.
Gas works are currently being carried out by a private utility company and are expected to reach completion on Friday.
Mr Williams said: "A diversion has recently been put in place for repair work on Church Road in Whitchurch, Cardiff, but the way it has been set up means vehicles are being sent down a narrow lane, with several cars crashing straight into the side of our accident repair centre.
"We’re an accident repair centre — and, rather ironically, the diversion has now led to vehicles actually crashing into our premises. In just two weeks, we’ve counted around 20 vehicles crashing into the building.
"We repair cars that have already been involved in accidents, and it now seems the road system is helping us create our own workload."
Impact on local businesses
Mr Williams added: "Joking aside, this is obviously a serious concern. We have staff, customers and vehicles coming in and out of the premises, and forcing traffic into an area where vehicles can’t safely pass is creating a genuine safety issue."
He also said: "The highways agency responsible for putting the diversion signs in place admitted to me that they couldn’t follow their own diversion and ended up driving the wrong way along the road after installing it.
"I understand that road diversions are sometimes unavoidable, but surely there must be a better solution than effectively turning an accident repair centre into an obstacle course."
Although it has been good for business, other local businesses have been affected negatively, especially the cancer charity shop that has seen a marked decrease in revenue as traffic chaos continues. "What was meant to be one week of road closures has now resulted in weeks of impassable roads," Mr Williams said.
Council response
A Cardiff Council spokesperson said: "A diversion is currently in place on Church Road, Whitchurch to facilitate gas works being carried out by a private utility company. The works are expected to be completed tomorrow (Friday).
"Neither the council nor the contractor has received any reports or concerns relating to collisions linked to the diversion.
"The diversion route includes a lane, regularly used by larger vehicles, operating as one-way traffic to maintain access for local residents while the works are underway.
"We are grateful to residents and local businesses for their patience while these essential works are completed."
