12/06/2023 - Trading Standards takes action against used car traders in Luton
Following investigations by Trading Standards, two used car traders in Luton have been prosecuted.
The company based at Camford Way in Luton had advertised numerous cars with Outstanding Manufacturer’s Recalls which they had not rectified and had not informed potential buyers about the recalls.
The Magistrates deemed the company to be negligent and took into consideration the risk of harm factors. To make matters worse the company had been previously warned and given guidance in relation to these contraventions on many occasions.
The Magistrates imposed a financial penalty of £3333 (reduced from £6000 due to early guilty plea). Prosecutions court costs of £650.00 were awarded with a Victim surcharge - £190. The total was £4173. Both Directors of the company also signed Formal Undertakings under the Enterprise Act 2002 in which they have agreed to measures on how they conduct their business in the future.
On the 21 March 2023, Directors Ehtesham Ahmed and Muneeb Asif from Eama Limited trading as MK Wheels also pleaded guilty to offences under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.
The company, based at Dallow Road, had advertised 7 cars between 2021 and 2022 with Outstanding Manufacturer’s Recalls which they had not rectified and not informing potential buyers about the recalls.
The Magistrates deemed the offence to be highly reckless and took into consideration the risk of harm factors and imposed a financial penalty of £4,000 (reduced from £6000 due to early guilty plea). Prosecutions court costs awarded of £450.00 with a victim surcharge of £181. Both Directors signed Formal Undertakings.
Cllr Maria Lovell portfolio holder responsible for community safety at Luton Council said, “We are committed to protecting people and keeping them safe and so if traders are deliberately misleading them we will take action. Car traders must describe vehicles accurately and these businesses failed to do this so we have prosecuted and if they breach the Undertakings they have signed it could lead to an Enforcement Order against them.
“These prosecutions should act as a deterrent to other businesses who try to deceive customers and deny them their statutory rights”.
If you think a business has broken the law or acted unfairly, you can report them to Citizens Advice Consumer Service (CACS) Helpline of 0808 2231133.