Dealers encouraged to sign up to fair deal scheme
Ealing Council is calling on more second hand car dealers to sign up to a scheme that promises their customers a fair deal.
The Council’s Car Sellers’ Assurance Scheme aims to create a network of reputable car dealerships in Ealing, and give residents a safer option when buying their cars.
Last year, Consumer Direct received more than 200 complaints about second hand cars bought in Ealing from independent traders. As part of a planned project, trading standards officers will be visiting more than 40 second hand car sellers in the borough and clamping down on any traders found to be operating illegally.
Councillor Vlod Barchuk, Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, said: “All of our residents should be able to buy cars without being worried that they are being ripped off. Residents should feel confident that they are getting a legitimate service when they buy a car from a business signed up to the scheme.”
By becoming a member of the scheme, businesses will show their commitment to trading fairly and legally, reassuring anyone buying a car that they are getting a fair deal.
Although the council cannot approve businesses, it will ensure that businesses are monitored and supported in order to give customers more confidence when buying a car. It will still be the buyer’s responsibility to compare prices and ensure they are getting value for money before buying their car.
To view a list of the businesses that have signed up to the scheme, log on to www.ealing.gov.uk or alternatively call the Council’s Trading Standards team on 020 8825 6086 for more information.
August 15, 2008
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