Trading Standards Team springs into action with Operation Jumpstart

Date Added: 24/08/2022

Operation Jumpstart
Our Trading Standards Team have cracked down on the safety of used cars being sold by car dealers across Central Bedfordshire.

The investigation, Operation Jumpstart, was carefully planned for several weeks, with our officers deciding which car traders to visit after reviewing consumer complaints and other intelligence.

Arrangements were made with DEKRA* for the services of a qualified vehicle examiner, so that vehicles could also be examined for critical safety faults.

Across the two-day operation on 9-10 August, Trading Standards officers visited car trader forecourts looking for any evidence of misrepresentation in connection with claimed mileage, vehicle descriptions, vehicle specifications and service history. Back-office checks were also undertaken, where complaints policies, sales paperwork, warranties, and other due diligence paperwork were examined.

The DEKRA vehicle examiner inspected three vehicles at each premise, for critical safety faults such as illegal tyres, structural corrosion, poor braking systems, damaged steering, and suspension.

The visits uncovered, a vehicle odometer with no recorded mileage, illegal tinted headlights, vehicles without screen pricing which could potentially disadvantage a buyer, vehicles described as sold as spares and repairs, which could be deemed as seeking to limit a consumer’s statutory rights. One vehicle was found to have a broken rear spring, a vital part of any vehicles suspension system, making the vehicle potentially dangerous to drive.

During this two-day operation officers served ‘Removal from Sale Notices’ at two premises, this meant that the relevant vehicles had to be immediately removed from sale from the forecourt and any websites, where the vehicles were advertised for sale. Trading Standards is now conducting ongoing investigations into possible offences.

You can report a problem with a business or product to us by contacting the Citizens Advice consumer helpline. They will provide you with advice if needed and share the information with us. All reports are treated in the strictest confidence, and you can remain anonymous if you wish.