Trading Standards targeted garage inspections
Monday, 24 November 2025
Our Trading Standards team, Bedfordshire Police Road Safety Partnership and Vehicle Examiners inspected 2 motor dealerships on 19 November as part of Safer Cars Week (16–22 November 2025).
The garages inspected had generated the highest number of complaints from residents over the past six months, prompting focused action to ensure vehicles being sold were safe, roadworthy and accurately described.
During the inspections, officers examined a range of vehicles on sale, checking for issues such as:
- structural or mechanical defects that could compromise safety
- discrepancies in mileage readings
- missing or incomplete service history and documentation
- misleading or inaccurate advertising claims
- compliance with consumer protection and vehicle safety legislation
Vehicles were prioritised for checks where complaints had previously highlighted concerns such as suspected mileage anomalies, poor vehicle condition on collection, or faults developing shortly after purchase. These targeted checks helped officers assess whether the issues raised by consumers reflected broader practices at the dealerships.
During the inspections, Bedfordshire Police Vehicle Examiners identified several non-compliant vehicles. Work was also completed regarding the policies and documentation they should have in place to trade correctly. Both dealerships have been informed of the actions they must take, and further compliance checks will be scheduled to ensure the required improvements are made. Where problems were identified, officers provided guidance or issued formal instructions requiring the garages to put matters right. Further enforcement will be considered where necessary.
Councillor John Baker, our Executive Member responsible for Public Protection, said:
These inspections were carried out because residents had repeatedly raised concerns about the same garages. Our checks focused on the vehicles most likely to pose a safety risk or to have been misdescribed.
We want to reassure the public that we take these complaints seriously and will continue to act wherever evidence suggests consumers may be at risk.
Residents who have concerns about a vehicle they have purchased, or who need advice on their consumer rights, can contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.