Third of used cars 'unroadworthy'

More than a third of second-hand cars on forecourts in Leicester were found to be unsafe, police have said.

An operation by Leicestershire Police and trading standards officers targeted car sales garages across the city, with trained staff carrying out inspections.

Police said faults ranged from tyre defects to faulty suspensions and excessively tinted windows.

A total of 28 cars were removed from sale by trading standards officers to either be repaired or disposed of.

Consumer protection

Garage owners could face a fine of up to £20,000 per car if the vehicles are not either repaired and pass an MOT test or destroyed.

Leicester Trading Standards manager, John Fox, admitted he was disappointed by the results of the operation.

"Clearly this is a problem that needs addressing with garages in the city," he said.

"I want to remind all used car dealers that it is not acceptable to put unsafe cars on the forecourt.

"Just repairing them at the time of sale is not enough, they must be safe when first advertised.

"We have the power to issue a suspension notice for any unsafe car that is being offered for sale. This power is designed to ensure that unsafe goods are not offered to consumers."