The Fair Player

The Fair Play Charter is operated by Bury, Manchester, Oldham, St Helens, Salford, Stockport, Tameside and Wigan Councils

Issue 17, November 2006

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Our New Look

Welcome to the latest edition of The Fair Player with a new design and new logo decided upon by you, the members. We have also launched the new website which is currently being hosted by Bury Metro Council and contains all the information members need to know about the scheme.

www.fairplaycharter.org.uk

What you will find on the website:

• Useful downloadable guidance for members, including traders' guides on The Business Names Act, consumer credit, price marking and misleading prices and mileages on motor vehicles
• How to apply for membership. In this section you can download application forms, terms and conditions of the scheme and trader and consumer guides.
• Current members of the scheme's contact details
• Contact details of your local Trading Standards office
• Previous editions of The Fair Player newsletters.

If you have any comments or ideas about the website, please contact your local Fair Play Charter representative.

In line with the design of our new logo, we are currently working on producing new:

• stickers for you to display on the windows and doors of your premises;
• consumer guides re-printed on paper that matches the colour scheme of the logo; and
• membership certificates that bear the new logo and show how long you have been a member in years.

Current members will receive a new certificate when their membership is up for renewal.

New members

We would like to welcome the following new members.

• Bolholt Garage, Bury Road, Tottington, BL8 3DT
• Hazel Grove Motors Limited, 3 -9 Chapel Street, Hazel Grove, Stockport, SK1 4AG
• Roundhouse Tyres, The Mount Garage, Whelly, Wigan, WN2 1DA
• Retiring member: Stewart Ireland Car Sales, Cranberry Lodge, Wigan Road, Ashton in Makerfield, Wigan, WN4 0BZ

More News

Mobile car mechanic brought to book

A mobile car mechanic has recently been ordered to pay more than £1,000 compensation to one of his victims and was given 200 hours community punishment and ordered to pay £2,000 costs.

The trader, pleaded guilty to three offences under the Trade Descriptions Act and to one offence under the Business Names Act at Manchester Magistrates Court on 11th October this year.

The trader falsely claimed that he had fitted a reconditioned engine to a Toyota car and an engine control unit to a Fiat Bravo. He also claimed to have fitted a non-existent "CFI Unit" to the same car. An independent Fiat expert confirmed that there is no such part on that particular model. Customers were unable to get hold of the trader to try and get matters put right, as he had failed to put the required contact details on his invoices.

This particular trader is also subject to an Enterprise Act enforcement order, which was issued at Manchester County Court on 4 October 2006. If he commits any further offences, he will be in contempt of court and may face a custodial sentence.

National Consumer Week: 20th - 24th November 2006

Over the past few years the Trading Standards Institute has been raising the profile of Trading Standards and each year during National Consumer Week highlights a particular consumer topic.

The Institute teams up with Trading Standards Departments across the country to put on educational and media events which will inform both the public and trade about a particular consumer issue.

This year the theme is major purchases, with the slogan 'Hey Big Spender - Take a little advice from us'

Throughout the week there will be highlights on different 'big spend' items. As cars are the largest purchase most people make after their homes, we are re-launching the Fair Play Charter during National Consumer Week. The Charter has successfully promoted fair and honest trading in the motor trade for over five years now benefiting its members and their customers.

The Trading Standards Departments who operate the scheme will also be issuing information to the local media during National Consumer Week to encourage more garages to join and the public to look for its members.

Consumer Direct

Consumer Direct is a phone and on-line consumer advice service, supported by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT). They provide help and advice to consumers on goods and services, consumer rights and how to make complaints. They can also refer cases to Trading Standards when necessary. It does not replace existing advice and support services, it works with them on a partnership basis.

Go to their website at www.consumerdirect.gov.uk or phone 08454 04 05 06. You can still contact your local fair play charter representative, or local trading standards office for advice.