New used car guidance for Scots 22 | 02 | 2018

    THE SCOTTISH MOTOR TRADE ASSOCIATION has teamed up with Trading Standards to deliver a new set of guidelines to used car dealers operating in Scotland. (Related: Ford tops charts as Scots new car sales fall 15.12%)

    The guidance, published by The Society of Chief Officers of Trading Standards in Scotland (SCOTSS), is intended to help second-hand car dealers comply with a number of important pieces of consumer protection law, such as the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 and the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

    Second-hand car sales is still one of the biggest areas of consumer complaint across the UK, and usually involves the biggest purchase a consumer will make next to their home.

    In April 2016, Citizens Advice Scotland reported that “used cars purchased from an independent dealer” was almost universally the number one issue reported in each Scottish local authority area.

    “Second-hand car sales is still a significant area of consumer detriment in Scotland,” Peter Adamson, chair of SCOTSS, said, “and complaint numbers are still high, partly due to the complexity and nature of the product, and partly due to the complexity of the law.

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    “We are publishing this comprehensive guide to the law to help car dealers in Scotland comply with the law and improve the level of service they give to their customers.

    “We have consulted widely on the content of this guidance, with trade and consumer bodies, and we hope it will make a significant difference to general understanding of the law.  We are pleased to work with the SMTA in launching the guide and highlighting it through their member network.

    “Any consumers who encounter problems with car purchases, or indeed any other types of products, can gain advice through the Citizens Advice Consumer Service Helpline on 03454 040506, online at www.citizensadvice.org.uk/scotland/consumer or from their local council trading standards service.”

    The new guidance document was welcomed by Sandy Burgess, chief executive of the Scottish Motor Trade Association.

    “This document is a welcome addition to the level of guidance and advice available to our members and the wider industry of professionals who are engaged in the retailing of used vehicles across Scotland,” Burgess said.

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    “By adhering to the detailed advice given, our membership can expect to maximise their exposure to the motoring consumers seeking to buy their next vehicle.

    “We are delighted to have been involved in the creation of these guidelines which will serve our membership and the consumer well for years to come.”

    And Sheila Scobie, representative for the Competition and Markets Authority in Scotland, which works to promote competition for the benefit of consumers, welcomed the new initiative.

    “The CMA welcomes this initiative by SCOTSS,” she said. “Purchasing a second-hand item always feels more risky, and it is important that customers know that their consumer rights are being protected.

    “The guidance provides car dealers with the information they need to enable them to treat customers fairly and to know when they might be breaking the law.”

    Related: SMTA — Budget failed to deliver

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    Jim McGill

    Caption: (From left) Sandy Burgess, chief executive of the Scottish Motor Trade Association; Ken Daly, SCOTSS National Coordinator; David MacKenzie, Trading Standards Manager, CTSI Joint Lead Officer e-Commerce.

     

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