Posted on Thursday 19th July 2012
A Llantrisant car dealership that was found to be offering a car for sale with illegal front tyres has been prosecuted by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Trading Standards team.
The important case against Corner Park Garage, of Llantrisant Road, came about as a result of Trading Standards’ annual inspection of vehicles offered for sale to the general public.
The forecourt survey last September found a Citroen C4 that had both front tyres worn below the legal limit of 1.6mm
As a result of the offence, C.P.G. (Wales) PLC trading as Corner Park Garage in Llantrisant, was charged with one offence relating to a breach of Regulation 8 of the General Product Safety Regulations 2005.
The case was heard at Pontypridd Magistrates’ Court on June 21 and Corner Park Garage denied the offence, stating all reasonable steps had been taken and that a mobile tyres company regularly inspected the cars on the forecourt and had discovered the bald tyres two weeks before the visit from Trading Standards.
At the time, the replacement tyres needed were not available, so the mobile tyre-fitter was going to return. A salesman was supposed to monitor the case and ensure the vehicle was not offered for sale until the tyres had been replaced. This did not happen and the car remained for sale on the forecourt.
The Council argued that it was obvious the vehicle was being offered for sale and Corner Park Garage should have known that it was dangerous.
The court found the defendant guilty and fined Corner Park Garage £2,000 and ordered them to pay full costs of £953.77 and a victim surcharge of £15.
David Jones, Head of Public Health and Protection at Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, said: “The annual forecourt survey is an important piece of proactive work that we carry out on behalf of our communities to assure them we are working to protect them.
“Consumers can be reassured that the majority of garages that were randomly spot-checked by Trading Standards and independent experts on the day have exceptionally high standards and all vehicles checked were found to be legal and roadworthy.
“We were pleased to see this and will continue to work proactively and in partnership with the car trade in Rhondda Cynon Taf to ensure such standards are maintained.
“However, there was a minority of garages that, between them, offered vehicles for sale that were illegal and dangerous. It is those cases that left us with no option but to take further action.
“We hope this case serves as a reassurance to the public and also as a warning to the trade that we do work proactively and will take action where needed. Garages and car salespeople who wish to secure further information or guidance can do so by making contact with us via 01443 425777.”
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council's Trading Standards Pages have great information for consumers, including guides on buying a second-hand car and knowing your rights. Visit the pages to find out more.|