Appalling Safety Standards by Domis Construction and N&T Lowloader

Llantarnam in Cwmbran, south‑east Wales, was once a quiet and peaceful area. For many years, it was the sort of place where people felt safe walking around, where traffic was light, and where residents could enjoy a calm neighbourhood. But in recent years, the area has changed dramatically. New housing developments have appeared, and with them, a brand‑new district centre at the entrance to the Maltings and Malthouse Close. What should have been a positive improvement for the community has instead created a long list of problems, especially when it comes to road safety.

The new district centre has brought a huge increase in traffic. Cars now regularly line the entire road leading to the Maltings, and many drivers also use Malthouse Close as an overflow area because the district centre’s car park is far too small for the number of visitors. This constant stream of vehicles has made life difficult for residents, who have repeatedly complained to Torfaen Council. They have asked for double yellow lines to be installed urgently to prevent dangerous parking and improve safety for both motorists and pedestrians. Despite these requests, the council has done nothing. Under the Highway Code, they have a legal duty to keep roads safe, yet no action has been taken.

Unfortunately, the traffic problems are only one part of a much bigger issue. In recent months, residents of the Maltings, Malthouse Close, and visitors to the district centre have been dealing with another serious concern: the behaviour of Domis Construction. This company is responsible for building the new Abbey Woods housing development directly opposite the district centre. Instead of keeping their construction activity within their own site, they have repeatedly moved heavy machinery across the busy road and positioned it right outside the district centre and along the road leading into the Maltings.

The vehicles involved are not small. They include JCBs, tarmac rollers, and even large road‑laying machines. These are not designed for public roads, and many of them are unlikely to have tax, insurance, or MOT certification. Yet Domis Construction has been transporting them across public and private roads as if it were perfectly acceptable.

The situation is even more concerning inside the Maltings. The roads there are unadopted private roads, meaning they are not maintained by the council. Instead, residents pay private maintenance fees to look after the entire infrastructure, including roads and pavements. Despite this, Domis Construction has been using these private roads to load and unload their machinery. It appears they simply do not want to damage their own site roads and instead assume that council‑owned or privately‑funded roads are fair game.

There is no sensible reason for this behaviour. The Abbey Woods site has more than enough space for loading and unloading vehicles safely. It is quieter, controlled, and far safer than a busy district centre or a residential street. Yet Domis Construction continues to use public and private roads, putting residents and visitors at risk.

The company responsible for transporting these heavy machines is N&T Lowloader, based in Cardiff. Their website proudly claims they have over 17 years of experience moving heavy plant machinery. However, their actions in Llantarnam show a shocking disregard for basic health and safety rules. What should be a professional operation has instead become a dangerous and chaotic display of poor judgement.

On 20 July 2026, dash‑cam footage captured two large flatbed lorries from N&T Lowloader arriving outside the district centre and deep within the Maltings. They were loading construction vehicles onto the backs of their lorries in areas that were never meant for such activity.

One lorry parked at Malthouse Close, then reversed up past the district centre. This happened while traffic was heavy and cars were parked along the road. At no point was anyone supervising the reversing manoeuvre. This is not just careless—it is a direct breach of legal safety requirements. Large vehicles must have a banksman or supervisor when reversing in busy or restricted areas. Ignoring this rule puts lives at risk.

Another lorry travelled all the way down into the Maltings, again using the private road paid for by residents. The driver then attempted to reverse down a narrow street and struggled significantly. The vehicle mounted the pavement several times, creating a serious hazard. Once again, there was no supervisor guiding the driver or ensuring the area was clear. If a child, or someone with a visual impairment, had been walking along the pavement at that moment, they could have been seriously injured or worse. The lack of basic safety precautions is alarming.

Both Domis Construction and N&T Lowloader have been contacted about these incidents. Emails were sent directly to them, raising concerns and asking for explanations. Neither company replied. Their silence speaks volumes. It suggests they do not take safety seriously and have no interest in addressing the risks they are creating for the community.

The problems caused by Domis Construction and N&T Lowloader are not minor inconveniences. They are serious safety hazards that could lead to accidents, injuries, or worse. When companies behave in this way, they show a complete lack of respect for the communities they operate in. Construction work is necessary, but it must be carried out responsibly, safely, and with proper planning. In Llantarnam, this has not been happening.

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