New campaign urges used car buyers to ‘check it, not regret it’
Brighton & Hove Trading Standards is joining with the Trading Standards Institute (TSI) and Citizens Advice Bureau to steer people in the right direction when it comes to buying a used car.
They are taking part in a month-long national campaign, funded by the National Trading Standards, Board, and Brighton & Hove Trading Standards will be working with road safety and businesses next week as part of National Consumer Week (4-10 November).
The campaign is urging people buying a used car to ‘check it, don’t regret it’ by assessing whether it is safe, legal and what it seems.
Brighton & Hove Trading Standards is working with the road safety team and the Sussex Education Business Partnership to promote the campaign. Trading Standards and Road Safety Officers will be visiting sixth form colleges to talk to students and give out information on the new driver awareness course available in the city, as well as consumer rights and safety when buying second hand cars.
The team will also be putting up displays in the City Direct Office at Hove Town Hall and Sure Start centres.
Trading Standards are using the campaign to promote the approved traders scheme in the city - Buy With Confidence.
Jo Player from Brighton & Hove Trading Standards said: "A second-hand car that is not up to scratch and is littered with faults can be a danger to the driver and other road users.
“It’s important the used car industry puts a brake on bad practices and encourages dealers to be up front with their customers about the condition of cars. That way people can make an informed choice as to whether it is the car for them.”
More information on National Consumer Week: http://www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/events/events-ncw.cfm
Citizens Advice on buying a used car: http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/usedcars
Trusted Dealers, car scam buying guide: http://www.trusteddealers.co.uk/blog/archives/used-car-scams-exposed-download-the-buyers-guide
The campaign will be on social media via #usedcars or @tsi_uk.