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McDonald’s and Costa have blamed lockdown restrictions for a build-up in traffic outside their drive-thru chains on Gallagher Retail Park, Caerphilly.

Due to coronavirus restrictions, restaurants have only been able to open for takeaway in recent months, which they say has seen a greater emphasis on the drive-thrus.

Plaid Cymru councillor Phil Bevan, who represents the Morgan Jones ward, said residents had complained to him about the traffic queuing up onto the nearby roundabout.

Cllr Bevan suggested a filter lane be built on the McDonalds site to address the issue.

He said: “Money would have to be found for this, but I honestly cannot see any other long-term solution. Its not just a matter of inconvenience, its also a matter of public safety.”

Resident Steve Mears, who approached Cllr Bevan about the issue, said: “We warned about the likelihood of traffic queues when Costa applied for planning permission a couple of years ago. I really hope they can do something to solve this ridiculous situation soon.”

Labour councillor Jamie Pritchard, who also represents the Morgan Jones ward, has said the problem has eased in recent weeks.

Cllr Pritchard said: “These problems have been primarily as a result of lockdown and services elsewhere not being open.

“As we come out of lockdown, I’m hoping it continues to ease as the economy reopens.”

He added: “There’s no way you can try to stop residents from accessing takeaway facilities, and nor should we. What we’ve been doing is working with the police to try to get an agreement in place that tackles the problem of queuing at the roundabout so everybody, visitors and local residents, can be happy.”

Fellow Morgan Jones ward councillor Shayne Cook said: “It’s evident that congestion occurs on weekends and at peak times during the lockdown period and hopefully with restrictions coming to an end we shouldn’t see long queues for the drive thru.”

A McDonald’s spokesperson said: “We are aware of the traffic issues in the area, and given the current emphasis on drive-thru due to government restrictions, we’re keen to play an active role in combatting any problems.

“We have a traffic management plan in place, and have engaged both the local police and local authority on this. We strive to be a good neighbour and have welcomed the opportunity to work with local councillors to help consider solutions.” 

Caerphilly Observer has been told McDonald’s staff have been taught how to direct traffic and where to place cones as part of the traffic management plan.

A Costa Coffee spokesperson said: “We are aware of an increase in traffic in the area near our Gallagher Retail Park drive-thru store, which is currently operating as takeaway only in line with government guidelines. We’re working closely with the local authorities to monitor this and will continue to support them in managing it where appropriate.”