Anger over 'unacceptable' blocked Rover Way, Cardiff
- Published
Police and council bosses have been criticised after a "large number" of parked vehicles blocked a key route into Cardiff.
The authorities cited public safety for closing part of Rover Way - linking the A48M and Cardiff Bay - for a funeral but did not know how big the event was.
It brought "chaos" during rush hour on Wednesday evening and Thursday morning.
The road has since reopened but South Wales Central AM Andrew RT Davies said it was unacceptable.
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"This unacceptable behaviour is bringing the roads in our city to a grinding halt and it's disgraceful that law-abiding citizens are expected to have to endure severe disruption for what could go on for as long as 24 hours," he added.
"If I were to cause a similar obstruction on the A48 with a tractor or two, they'd be towed away within hours.
"We need to see urgent action from South Wales Police and Cardiff Council - no leeway or excuses should be applied here."
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South Wales Police Assistant Chief Constable Jeremy Vaughan said: "We were aware that a funeral was taking place today, but we were not informed of its scale and the number of vehicles involved did not become apparent until yesterday afternoon, when an increasing number arrived at Rover Way.
"Eventually, this number totalled 50. We know that the result of this was significant traffic problems on the road yesterday evening. A decision was subsequently taken to close the road, something put in place at about 8.15pm."
ACC Vaughan added that two vehicles were recovered for "insurance and obstruction issues" and that a "post-incident debrief" will now be conducted to avoid a repeat of the congestion.