Issued By West Yorkshire Trading Standards Service

MOTOR TRADE PARTNERSHIP – GOES FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH

The Partnership between Trading Standards and the motor trade is aimed at cutting the thousands of complaints received every year from members of the public. Following recent complaints analysis, Trading Standards are delighted to announce that complaints against members have fallen by a staggering 61% since the Partnership was launched just over a year ago. The figure clearly shows that the Partnership is the way forward in generating greater consumer satisfaction and confidence.

Where justified complaints have been received relating to members, these have been resolved in a courteous and efficient manner. It is pleasing to report that it has never been necessary for the formal arbitration procedures to be used. Members are clearly using good business practices to ensure that their customers are dealt with in a fair manner.

The newest member of the Partnership is Randerson of Horsforth, Long Row, Horsforth, Leeds.

They have been audited to ensure, amongst other things, that they:

-         Comply with the spirit and letter of the law

-         Carry out mileage checks on used vehicles

-         Have an established customer complaints procedure

-         Ensure advertisements are truthful and not misleading

Chairman of the West Yorkshire Joint Services Committee, Councillor Graham Clarke said, “ It is very encouraging to see that the number of complaints about the members of the Partnership has fallen, it emphasises the commitment of the members to ensure that they give a fair and honest service to their customers”. 

Martin Wood, West Yorkshire’s Chief Trading Standards Officer said, “We urge consumers who are looking to buy a vehicle or have one serviced or repaired to look for the Motor Trade Partnership logo. We cannot promise you will never have a complaint, but if you do experience any difficulties then the Partnership will ensure that it will be resolved.

Details of members are available on the Website, www.ts.wyjs.org.uk, or consumers can contact the West Yorkshire Consumer Helpline on 01133 848 848.   Alternatively, details will also be available at local Citizens Advice Bureaux.”

For further information please contact

Paul Smith, Enforcement Officer Tel: 0113 289 8219

Angela France, Motor Trade Partnership Liaison Officer Tel: 0113  253 0241

Graham Hebblethwaite Divisional Manager/ General Media Contact 0113 289 8218

NOTES TO EDITORS

The Official Presentation to Randerson of Horsforth took place at their premises on Thursday 24^th October 2002 at 10.30am. Councillor Brian Cleasby made the presentation; also attending were representatives from Trading Standards. Photographs are available by contacting Angela France on the above telephone number.