We’re urging our customers to join us in the fight back against car clocking, as we launch an e-Petition to DirectGov to close down mileage correction firms. Across the UK, these companies are turning back the miles on used cars, helping certain sellers push up the price of vehicles. 1 in 20 cars checked by us show a discrepant mileage, and this figure has risen by 10% in the last 5 years. Private Consumers and Dealers need to tackle the threat of “clocking” head on, as they risk unwittingly selling “clocked” vehicles putting their business and the safety of road users at risk.

[button type=”bd_button btn_large” url=”http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/40393     ” target=”blank” button_color_fon=”#058668″ button_text_color=”#ffffff” ]Sign our Petition Here[/button]

“Unfortunately clocking itself isn’t illegal, but selling a clocked car without declaring its true mileage is,” explains Shane, our Consumer Manager. “Whilst there is rarely a legitimate reason to alter the mileage on a vehicle, Trading Standards estimates there are 50 mileage correction firms operating in Britain*. Some of these companies will be exploiting a legal loophole that could help unscrupulous sellers make a fast profit at the expense of dealers and consumers alike. We’re calling for a change to the law and dealers should be too. Our e-petition will give motorists and the motor industry a chance for their voice to be heard.”

Anyone buying a car should conduct a mileage check as a matter of course, but particularly on any car that has had more than one owner. A full National Mileage Register (NMR) Investigation not only checks against 150 million mileage records but also ensures previous keepers are contacted to verify mileages at the time they sold the vehicle. A mileage warranty is also included as part of the investigation, so if the car turns out to be clocked, dealers will be covered. By operating best practice, dealers can sell with confidence and meet their duty of care under the Consumer Protection Regulations.

“We continue to raise awareness of the threat of clocking and other used car fraud, but whilst mileage correction firms operate, fraudsters make easy money,” concludes Shane  “We are launching our e-petition to fight back and make the Government take action. The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has called upon the Government for reform twice before, but still there are no signs of change. We urge our customers to visit http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/40393 to get behind the e-petition and close down mileage correction firms for good.”