Date published: 2025-04-02 | Category: Bath, Focusing on prevention, Trading Standards
A car dealer based in Bath has been fined £10,000 following an investigation sparked by two complaints to Bath & North East Somerset Council's Trading Standards team.
South & West Motors Ltd, based on London Road East in Batheaston, Bath, pleaded guilty to breaching the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 by failing to meet professional diligence standards.
The court was told that South & West Motors Ltd sold a vehicle to a consumer without disclosing the known engine issues. The business failed to ensure the vehicle was of satisfactory quality and fit for purpose and allowed the consumer to test drive and ultimately drive away a vehicle that it claimed was not roadworthy.
Within 15 minutes of the purchase, the vehicle broke down. A mechanic later determined the head gasket had blown, with repair costs exceeding £3,000. South & West Motors Ltd attempted to avoid the consumer's statutory rights imposed by the Consumer Rights Act 2015 by applying trade terms to a consumer transaction.
A second complaint involved a vehicle that also developed faults shortly after purchase. The business tried to limit its liability and the consumer's rights by using terms requiring the buyer to assess the vehicle's full condition, whereas the law requires the trader to ensure the goods are of satisfactory quality. Furthermore, the company used a generic disclaimer about mileage accuracy and failed to provide a full refund when the buyer rejected the vehicle.
The company had been advised in detail by the Trading Standards team on several occasions over the previous five years, particularly in relation to their paperwork and trading practices.
At a hearing on 12 March 2025, Bath Magistrates’ Court imposed a £10,000 fine on South & West Motors Ltd. The court also ordered the company to pay £811 in compensation to the victims and £7,800 in costs to Bath & North East Somerset Council, resulting in a total financial penalty exceeding £18,000.
Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services, said: “We are dedicated to protecting residents. If traders misrepresent vehicles or deny consumers their statutory rights, we will act decisively. This prosecution sends a strong message to businesses that noncompliance will not be tolerated.”
Find out more about the council’s Trading Standards Service
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