The CWA welcomes Welsh Government decision to allow automatic car washes to open

The Office of the Welsh First Minister published an updated review of the Covid-19 regulations (29/01/21) which stated: “automatic car washes will be listed alongside petrol stations and garages as allowed to open to provide legal clarity”. The Car Wash Association (CWA) had previously written to the First Minister (07/01/21) to request that automatic car washes (ACWs) be allowed to remain open during the latest national lockdown.

Brian Madderson, Chairman of the CWA, commented: “The Welsh Government has taken the pragmatic approach and allowed ACWs to once again operate across Wales. This decision will help to keep essential workers, including NHS and all other medical staff, safe on the roads. We are pleased that the First Minister has agreed with our calls for ACWs to open.”

In response to this decision by the First Minister, the CWA have written back to thank him and to also highlight that the CWA interpretation of ‘ACW’ includes rollovers, conveyors and automated self-serve jet washes. These methods of car washing allow for a contact-free clean.

Car Wash Association (CWA) membership draws from fuel companies, equipment manufacturers and the UK’s 5,500-strong independent forecourt retailers, who are also members of the Petrol Retailers Association (PRA), that operate car wash businesses on their premises.