A car trader in Southall has been ordered to pay out more than £40,000 for misleading customers following an investigation by Ealing Council.

On Thursday, 18 November 210, representatives of Unique Cars (UK) Limited, of Lady Margaret Road, Southall pleaded guilty on the company’s behalf to five offences, contrary to the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, at Ealing Magistrates’ Court.

The company was ordered to pay a £2,800 fine, more than £4,000 in compensation to the motorists and £34,000 towards the council’s costs. Regulatory Services officers had already secured more than £6,000 in compensation for the motorists affected.

After angry motorists complained of being misled by sales people at the Southall showroom, Ealing Councils Regulatory Services officers carried out an investigation.

One potential customer raised concerns about car clocking, after buying a car described as having just over 66,000 miles on the clock, when it had been showing at least 123,000 miles four months earlier.

Another motorist gave the sales person a £100 refundable deposit to test drive a car, but was shocked when he was told he could not have his money back after he returned the vehicle safely.

Two people also accused the company of adding administration charges of £95 once the sale had been agreed.

Councillor Ranjit Dheer, cabinet member for Safer Communities, said: "There is no place in our borough for businesses like this. They like to prey on unsuspecting and sometimes naive customers to make a quick buck."

"What they were doing was illegal and dishonest and gives legitimate businesses a bad name."

"Our Regulatory Services officers carried out a very through investigation and I am very pleased with the court’s decision."