UK motorists could have better protection from rogue traders under new government laws that are set to come into force next year.
The Department for Trade and Industry (DTI) has started to implement the Europe-wide Unfair Commercial Practices Directive (UCPD), a trading law aimed at protecting consumers from dishonest dealers and acts as a safety net for consumer protection legislation. The UCPD aims to be in place by April 2008.
Although some consumer protection that exists from rulings on current laws will be lost, the DTI believes the UCPD will bring far greater benefits to consumers overall.
The UPCD, which applies to all business sectors, will force businesses not to mislead consumers through acts or omissions or subject them to aggressive commercial practices that include high-pressure selling techniques.
The UCPD will replace 22 existing UK laws, including trade descriptions legislation, but consumers will continue to profit from protection offered by the Sale of Goods Act and Distance Selling Regulations.
Consumer minister Ian McCartney commented: "This law will give the cowboys nowhere to hide . It will crack down on underhand sales practices that are all too often used to back consumers into a corner."
"Traders who use bully-boy tactics have no right to pressure people into buying goods, often at rip-off prices . This new protection will make life a lot tougher for the rogues and easier for legitimate businesses to operate ."
