A car dealer in Bath, South & West Motors Ltd, has been fined £10,000 by Bath Magistrates’ Court after failing to meet professional diligence standards and breaching the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. The investigation was initiated by Trading Standards following two complaints. In one case, a customer experienced their purchased vehicle breaking down just 15 minutes after driving it away from the dealership.
The court heard that the company sold a vehicle to a consumer without disclosing known engine issues and failed to ensure its roadworthiness, breaching the Consumer Rights Act 2015. Additionally, the dealer attempted to limit liability and consumer rights by applying trade terms to the transaction. Despite being advised on compliance by the Trading Standards team over the previous five years, the company continued to engage in questionable trading practices.
In addition to the fine, South & West Motors Ltd was ordered to pay £811 in compensation to the victims and £7,800 in costs to Bath & North East Somerset Council, resulting in a total financial penalty exceeding £18,000. Councillor Tim Ball emphasized the council’s commitment to protecting residents and ensuring that businesses comply with consumer rights laws.