Car dealers in Bathurst have been fined more than $1,500 and received warning letters for more than 50 breaches of the state’s fair trading laws.

Fair Trading Deputy Commissioner Steve Griffin said the fines and warnings were issued during a regional access program by NSW Fair Trading in mid September.

“Fair trading laws protect the interests of consumers and are particularly important when it come to something as costly as buying and selling a car,” he said.

“A Kelso trader has been issued with $990 in fines for three separate breaches, including displaying an incorrect year of manufacture and displaying a vehicle without dealer notices.

“Another Kelso dealer received two penalty infringement notices for not displaying the correct year of manufacture.”

Mr Griffin said inspection reports were also issued to motor vehicle repairers during the visit, for offences including failing to display signage in accordance with the regulations and failure to display licences appropriately.

“Fifty-six motor vehicle repairers were visited and 19 inspection reports were issued, serving as a warning for traders,” he said.

Mr Griffin said more than 400 local people attended workshops and seminars about Fair Trading laws and consumer protection issues.

NSW Fair Trading will have delivered 16 regional access programs across the state in 2010.

“These programs bring together consumers, traders and the government’s consumer education, compliance and enforcement agency,” Mr Griffin said.

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