No jackpot for panelbeaters

Despite predictions of more road crashes after the changes to give-way rules on March 25, Dunedin panelbeaters have not been run off their feet.

Bridgman Street Panelbeaters managing director Brent Johnston said his company had fixed just one ding resulting from the change in rules.

There was just a "wee bit of damage in the right front corner".

"I was hoping for more," he said.

Mr Johnston believed drivers were being courteous and over-cautious so there had not been as many crashes as predicted.

"Once complacency overrules, they will be back to normal and we will be busier."

Castle Street Panelbeaters owner Richard Strang said no cars with damage from give-way collisions had come through the shop.

However, he had not been expecting a lot of work post-rule change.

"Everyone is getting more courteous."

Harrow Motor Body Works co-owner Michael de Graaf said the rule changes had not had "too much effect".

"We will certainly get a few [jobs], but it won't happen for another two to three weeks. Everyone is too cautious at this stage," he said.

Dunedin police have received only one report of a crash related to the new rules, where two cars collided in Tedder St, St Kilda, two days after the change.

The driver was charged with failing to give way and driving while disqualified.

 

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