The fine was in relation to offences associated with the sale of a clocked car. Mr Allen, of Mantlin Park, Kesh, Fermanagh, was also found to have provided false service history. In addition, he advertised 10 cars for sale in the Auto Trader car magazine. In each advertisement he claimed to be a private seller.
In a case brought by the Trading Standards Service of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Kesh motor dealer Mr Allen pleaded guilty to one charge under the Trade Descriptions Act 1968 and ten under the Fair Trading Act 1973. Mr Allen was also ordered to pay £1,500 compensation to the buyer of the vehicle and £10 costs.
In December 2006, Trading Standards Service received a complaint from a member of the public who had bought a Toyota Rav4 from Mr Allen, who falsely identified himself as a seller from Dromore, County Tyrone. The mileage on the vehicle had been reduced from 134,000 to 64,000. In addition Mr Allen also gave the buyer a fabricated service history which supported this lower mileage.
Investigating Officer Raymond Dolan of the Trading Standards Service said: “Mr Allen deliberately set out to mislead our complainant by hiding behind a false identity. In addition he produced a false service history and advertised numerous vehicles for sale using different names and addresses.
“It is a legal requirement that all traders ensure that advertisements they place leave readers in no doubt that the trader is selling in the course of his or her business. This can be done by simply placing the letter “T” at the end of the advert. It is an important regulation as it informs customers whether they are buying from a business or a private individual. This allows the customer to establish what level of legal protection they would have if they encounter problems with their purchase.”
If you think you may have been sold misdescribed goods, or if you have any other consumer questions, Consumerline would be happy to advise. Contact Consumerline on 0845 600 62 62 or online at the Consumerline website
Notes to Editors:
- "Car clocking" is the term commonly used to describe the practice of turning a car’s mileage reading back to display a lower mileage. A car’s mileage is one of the main factors influencing a potential purchaser’s decision to buy and the final price they are willing to pay. The practice of clocking is illegal, and can result in fines up to £5,000.
- The Trading Standards Service investigate possible offences relating to clocked cars under the Trade Descriptions Act 1968. Under section 1 of the Act, it is an offence for a trader to apply a false trade description and also to supply or offer to supply, a clocked car.
- The Trading Standards Service also investigates possible offences relating to hidden traders under, amongst others, the Fair Trading Act 1973 (Business Advertisements Disclosure Order). Under section 23 of the Act, it is an offence for a trader to induce a consumer to buy a product without making it reasonably clear that the said product is being sold in the course of a trade or business.
- For media enquiries please contact Lesley Dempster in the DETI Press Office, telephone 028 9052 9297.
- Outside office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
