Multiple Luton used car dealers fined thousands due to negligent sales tactics

Directors at two different Luton-based used car dealerships have been caught out and fined thousands after trying to sell vehicles with outstanding recalls.

Shahnawaz Gazdar and Andreas Orthodoxou from Tenby Car Supermarket pleaded guilty to offences under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.

The company based at Camford Way in Luton had advertised numerous cars with outstanding manufacturer’s recalls which they had not rectified and had not informed potential buyers about the recalls.

The magistrates deemed the company to be negligent and took into consideration the risk of harm factors.

To make matters worse the company had been previously warned and given guidance in relation to these contraventions on many occasions.

Trading Standards imposed a financial penalty of £3333 (reduced from £6000 due to early guilty plea). 

Prosecutions court costs of £650.00 were awarded with a victim surcharge - £190.

The total was £4173.

Both directors of the company also signed formal undertakings under the Enterprise Act 2002 in which they have agreed to measures on how they conduct their business in the future.

MK Wheels also fined for Consumer Protection offences

In a separate case, Luton Council also confirmed that directors at MK Wheels, another used car dealership in the town, have also been fined for offences under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.

Directors Ehtesham Ahmed and Muneeb Asif pleaded guilty after advertising seven cars between 2021 and 2022 with outstanding manufacturer’s recalls which they had not rectified and not informing potential buyers about the recalls.

The magistrates deemed the offence to be highly reckless and took into consideration the risk of harm factors and imposed a financial penalty of £4,000 (reduced from £6000 due to early guilty plea).

Prosecutions court costs awarded of £450 with a victim surcharge of £181. Both directors signed formal undertakings.

Cllr Maria Lovell portfolio holder responsible for community safety at Luton Council, said: “We are committed to protecting people and keeping them safe and so if traders are deliberately misleading them we will take action.

“Car traders must describe vehicles accurately and these businesses failed to do this so we have prosecuted and if they breach the Undertakings they have signed it could lead to an Enforcement Order against them.

“These prosecutions should act as a deterrent to other businesses who try to deceive customers and deny them their statutory rights.”