Consumer Protection Automotive Officers have instilled on the vast majority of motor vehicle dealers and repairers in the State’s South-West a tick of approval following a sweep of the region.
The officers visited 14 motor vehicle dealerships and 27 repair businesses in the Busselton, Dunsborough and Margaret River areas, checking the businesses were licensed and complying with the laws that covered their operations.
Acting Executive Director of Consumer Protection, Penny Lipscombe said some issues were identified relating to failure to employ a certified repairer in the relevant class of work being conducted and failure to notify Consumer Protection about a change in location of premises or business ownership.
“One repairer was found to be operating without a licence and will face further action,” Ms Lipscombe said.
“A total of 141 vehicles were inspected with officers issuing only three ‘unfit for sale’ notices relating to bald tyres, a faulty seatbelt and a cracked windscreen.”
She said vehicles with defect orders must be repaired by the date specified in the order and be inspected at an approved Department of Transport facility before being cleared for sale.
“Alternatively, the dealer can choose to de-licence the vehicle,” Ms Lipscombe said.
Fuel retailers in the area were also inspected to check that they were meeting the requirements of FuelWatch rules and all 15 service stations were found to be compliant.
“The inspections showed the vast majority of dealers and repairers in those areas were doing the right thing, with only a few issues identified and a small number of vehicles given an ‘unfit for sale’ sticker,” Ms Lipscombe said.
“That outcome should give consumers in those areas the confidence that most of the local businesses have high standards when it comes to vehicle sales and employing the right people for repair work.”
Information on dealing with motor vehicle dealers and repairers can be accessed at the Consumer Protection website at this PS News link.
