A LYE van dealer has landed hefty court bills after falsely describing a vehicle with major safety faults as being in excellent condition.

Satwant Singh Aujla, director of Merry Hill Van Centre Ltd, Rufford Street, appeared before Dudley Magistrates on August 15 to answer charges under the Road Traffic Act.

Mr Aujla pleaded guilty to allowing a dangerous vehicle to be used on the road, the company admitted falsely describing the vehicle as being in excellent condition when it was un-roadworthy and had defective brakes.

Mr Aujla was fined £800 and ordered to pay £1,258.50 costs plus an £80 victim surcharge. The company was fined £800 and ordered to pay £1,258.50 costs, an £80 victim surcharge and £3,490 compensation to the complainant. Mr Aujla also had three penalty points added to his driving licence.

The case followed a complaint to trading standards from a South Wales resident who had seen the vehicle advertised on the trader’s website.

An expert motor vehicle engineer concluded the state of the vehicle’s braking system was so serious that use on the public highway would constitute a danger to the user and other road users.

Councillor Tracy Wood, Dudley’s cabinet member responsible for trading standards, said: “This sends a clear warning to car dealers who should never mislead customers by falsely describing a vehicle. In this case he put lives in danger due to the serious problems with the vehicle and this is not acceptable.

“People rely on dealers to provide accurate information so that they can make an informed decision when buying a car. Buying a second hand vehicle is an expensive purchase for most people so we would warn people to be vigilant.”

Anyone who believes they have been sold a car that has been misdescribed or who has concerns as to its safety can call trading standards on 08454 040506 or visit www.adviceguide.org.uk