Driving 'Dodgy' Garages
Out Of South Tyneside |
16 Feb 2005 |
South Tyneside Council is putting the wheels in motion
for a new campaign to drive dodgy motor traders out
of the Borough.
Determined to put the brakes on rip off garages, the
Council's Trading Standards Service is now extending
its popular 'Safetrader' scheme to include businesses
in the motor trade.
Explaining why the scheme is being extended; Councillor
Michael Clare, Lead Member for Neighbourhood Services
says: "Complaints from residents about the car
sales and repairs sectors are second only to those in
the building industry. Trading Standards is determined
to tackle this problem and believes that including reputable
businesses on its 'Safetrader' register will be valuable
to local people."
He adds: "We already run a successful scheme for
local legitimate business engaged in the building industry
and we have a high satisfaction rate among users and
the majority of businesses who report an increase in
trade since joining."
Traders who want to join the scheme are subject to
audit and must meet specialist criteria. This includes
checks on Office of Fair Trading and County Court Judgement
records as well as ensuring that their complaints procedure
is robust and working. Members must agree to abide by
a strict code of practice that ensures that consumers
get a fair deal. In the unlikely event of a complaint
not being able to be resolved between retailer and consumer,
scheme members agree to arbitration by the Trading Standards
Service to resolve the matter.
From March 1st five local businesses will sign up for
the scheme, these are:
Britannia Auto Centre Ltd, Cleadon
Henderson Motors, South Shields
Jarrow Coachworks, Jarrow
Tyne Autobodies, South Shields
Vic Young Garages Ltd., South Shields
Welcoming the businesses to 'Safetrader', Councillor
Clare adds: "I very much hope that this is the
start of a great partnership between the local motor
trade sector and the Council to improve standards and
remove unfair competition to legitimate business. I
would urge those businesses who have not already applied
to join to contact the Trading Standards Service for
an application pack."
Application packs and further details can be obtained
by contacting Gillian Perry on 424 7878 or via e-mail
gillian.perry@s-tyneside-mbc.gov.uk.
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