TWO men have admitted selling cars without revealing they belonged to a trader.

John David Lloyd of Swinburne Place, Wootton Bassett, pleaded guilty to eight charges under the Business Advertisements (Disclosure) Order 1977 before Swindon magistrates. He was fined £125 on each charge with costs of £770.

Edward Akers, of Hambrook Farm, the proprietor of Akers Car Centre, Lyneham and former director of Akers Garage Ltd in Moredon, pleaded guilty to seven charges under the same legislation.

Magistrates declined jurisdiction and he will be sentenced at Swindon Crown Court on a date to be arranged.

Phil Wirth, representing Swindon Council, told magistrates that the Business Advertisements Disclosure Order requires anyone who is in the motor trade to clearly indicate in any advertisements for goods that the goods are on sale in the course of a business.

This is because the public can rely on certain legal protection when buying from a trader which they cannot if buying from a private person.

Swindon trading standards service routinely carry out checks on advertisements in local newspapers for people advertising goods without declaring 'trade'.

Robert Taylour, Swindon Council's group leader of public protection, said people need to exercise caution when buying second hand cars.

He said: "If buying privately ask to see the registration document and check that the person selling is the person who owns the car.

"Never agree to look at vehicle in a remote location. If you don't know where the person lives you won't be able to trace them if things go wrong.

"Also, look carefully at the MOT certificate and check the details; take some one with you who knows about cars.

"If you run into difficulties and live in Swindon, you can seek advice from the Safer Swindon Shop on 525387."