Rogue traders targeted in Telford & Wrekin
Telford & Wrekin Trading Standards joined forces yesterday with West Mercia Police, the DVLA, Revenues and Customs (HMRC) and VOSA to carry out checks on vehicles and drivers in a bid to tackle rogue trading and fraudulent practices.
165 vehicles were stopped and checked throughout the day with one focus being to reduce the number of traders carrying out unnecessary and unwanted home improvements.
The vehicles stopped were checked for appropriate tax and insurance as well as ensuring none were using red diesel. VOSA also carried out checks which included lights, tyres and wipers.
Trading Standards Officer spoke to 76 traders, 17 of which were found to be unaware of relevant legislation regarding agreement made for work conducted in peoples homes. These people were given advice and leaflets.
Several vehicles were dealt with by the DVLA for having no tax, while more were dealt with by HMRC for using red diesel.
Councillor Hilda Rhodes, cabinet member for Transport and Community Protection, said: “Reducing criminal activity and protecting our vulnerable residents is the key priority for our Trading Standards team.
“Rogue traders and doorstep sellers can make people’s lives a misery and spot checks like these are important to help officers identify them and learn more about how and where they are operating.”
