main content Car salesman fined for street trading

A second hand car salesman has been prosecuted for unlicensed street trading. Mr G Makrell of Trinity House Car Sales, illegally parked cars for sale on the main road outside his premises in Leaves Green Road, Keston. After failing to appear at Bromley Magistrates Court, he was found guilty in his absence and ordered to pay fines and costs of £1,150.

“Streets are for traffic and pedestrian use - they are not an extension of the car showroom! Apart from it being off-putting for drivers to see cars - or anything else - advertised for sale on the road, they are also taking up valuable parking space“ said Peter Turvey, Enforcement and Technical Support Manager.

A Street Services Enforcement Officer first wrote to Mr Makrell in May 2004 when two cars - a silver Mercedes and a green BMW - were seen parked on Leaves Green Road with sale prices displayed in their windows. The letter warned that it is an offence to sell, offer or advertise for sale, any vehicle on the road without having a street trading licence and future offences will be prosecuted.

In May this year, when another silver Mercedes and a grey BMW were seen for sale at the same location, legal action was taken. Mr Makrell was summoned to attend Court in August, but having failed to appear, the matter was adjourned to a later date. After failing to appear in Court again, Magistrates heard the case in his absence and found him guilty.

Vehicles or other illegally advertised items for sale on the street, can be reported to the Street Services Team on 020 8313 4621.

ENDS

For media enquiries, please contact Andrew Rogers, Communications Advisor on 020 8461 7670 or Peter Turvey, Enforcement and Technical Support Manager on 020 8313 4901 or e-mail andrew.rogers@bromley.gov.uk.