FLEETS operating their own used car forecourts to sell ex-company cars have been invited to a conference by the Institute of Trading Standards following its publication of a damning report into used car safety. The institute, which printed its 'Coffins on Wheels' report in June, is inviting all firms involved in the used car trade to attend the event, to be held on October 7 at the De Montfort Hotel, Kenilworth.

The report warned that fleets disposing of vehicles direct through forecourts could have their vehicles seized or crushed by trading standards officers if they were not ready for the road, including having a valid MoT certificate. A third of vehicles inspected by the ITS on forecourts did not have MoTs, yet 80% of them would have been allowed out on the road for test drives.

New European legislation allows trading standards officers to visit forecourts and carry out safety audits on vehicles and either take cars off sale or order them to be confiscated or destroyed. Tony Allen, author of the report, said: 'Safety First will be the theme of the day. Members of the public could be in serious danger, even when taking a test drive.' Booking enquiries can be faxed to Julia Davison on 01702 559902 by September 16.