Issue Date:  -  Wednesday, 14 April 2004

Unlicensed motor dealer fined

On Thursday, 8 April the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection in the Midland Court of Petty Sessions reaffirmed the prosecution of Robert James Parkinson (32) of Beechboro for unlicensed motor vehicle dealing.

Mr Parkinson was fined $10,000.

This followed his initial prosecution in the Perth Local Court in August 2003 when he was fined $10,000 plus $47,700 in daily penalties.

He appealed in December 2003 and the Appeal Court found that the daily penalty should not have been imposed because Parkinson had no prior conviction. The case was then remitted back to Midland Court of Petty Sessions, which originally heard the charges.

At the time of the offences Mr Parkinson was a tow truck operator and the proprietor of Car Body Removals, a car towing and recovery business.

Between September 2002 and April 2003, Mr Parkinson purchased 43 damaged and second hand vehicles and placed 360 newspaper advertisements to on-sell vehicles and car parts.

"A fine like this sends a clear message that unlicensed dealing will not be tolerated by the Department", Consumer Employment Commissioner Patrick Walker said.

"Unlicensed dealers put consumers at risk because they do not guarantee clear title to the motor vehicles they sell. Plus they don’t offer the warranty and safety protections that come with buying vehicles from reputable licensed operators.

"Licensed dealers are required to display their dealership’s trading name and license number on the exterior of their business and in advertisements.

"Consumers who suspect a dealer to be unlicensed should contact the Department immediately."

The Motor Vehicle Dealers Act 1973 requires a person to hold a dealers license to buy or sell vehicles. The Act also applies to a range of associated sales activities including caravans, trucks, vehicle wrecking and vehicle auctioneers.

For information on consumer and dealers rights, contact Consumer Protection on 1300 30 40 54.