Following the successful prosecution of two local businessmen, Cornwall Council Trading Standards Officers are warning Cornish motor traders to ensure that vehicles they sell are in a safe and roadworthy condition.

On Wednesday 10 June at Truro Magistrates, Nigel Rees of Carnwidden Livery, Longdowns, Penryn and Ian Lewis of West Trevarth Barn, Lanner, Redruth were convicted of selling a dangerously un-roadworthy Mitsubihi Pajero 4x4, contrary to the General Product Safety Regulations 2005.

Magistrates heard that Mr Rees and Mr Lewis had an arrangement, whereby Mr Rees would purchase salvage vehicles from insurance companies and then sell them on – occasionally using Mr Lewis to repair them and assist in making the sale. Whilst neither men’s business exclusively related to car sales, evidence demonstrated that both men were considered to be experienced professionals within the motor-trade sector.

A local man purchased the Mitsubishi for £650 in March 2014 after seeing it advertised for sale at the side of the road. The purchaser later found that there were serious defects with the vehicle. An inspection by VOSA revealed a catalogue of faults, including defective brake hoses and chassis corrosion that was so severe that the use of the vehicle on the road would have posed serious danger to any occupants and that of other road users. The vehicle was subsequently scrapped.

Both Mr Rees and Mr Lewis denied that they had been responsible for the sale. They also claimed that they had no formal business arrangement and that they had made no profit from the sale of the Mitsubishi. Despite these arguments, both men were found guilty and fined £5000 each. They were ordered to pay combined costs of £3400, a compensation payment of £400 and a £200 victim surcharge.

Senior Trading Standards Officer, Gary Webster commented; “I am pleased that the magistrates appreciated the severity of the offence, which was reflected in the level of fines imposed. I hope that this sends a clear message to those in the motor-trade that safety is of paramount importance, irrespective of the value of the vehicle.”

Gary goes on to say: “I am aware that many traders rely on getting a MOT after a sale has been agreed. However, this does not ensure the safety of the vehicle at the time it is displayed for sale or offered for test drives. Trading Standards recommend that, as a minimum, a vehicle should receive a full safety check or MOT from a professional mechanic prior to being offered for sale.”