Issued By West Yorkshire Trading Standards Service

MOTOR TRADE PARTNERSHIP – GOES FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH

The West Yorkshire Trading Standards Motor Trade Partnership has been operating for 10 months and is proving to be an unqualified success. Membership of the scheme now stands at over 100 dealers.  

The Partnership between Trading Standards and the motor trade was aimed at cutting the thousands of complaints received every year from members of the public. Recent complaints analysis has highlighted a small decrease in the number of complaints received about the Motor Trade in general.  Trading Standards are delighted to announce that complaints against members have fallen by a staggering 60% in the last quarter. These figures clearly show 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 Glovers Garages Ltd of Bridge Lane, Ilkley.

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

Graham Hebblethwaite Divisional Manager/ General Media Contact 0113 289 8218

Paul Smith, Enforcement Officer Tel: 0113 289 8219

Angela France, Motor Trade Partnership Liaison Officer Tel: 01132 530241

NOTES TO EDITORS