Disreputable operators could be driven out of the motor trade by new environmental rules introduced this week, according to the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMI).

As part of the Clean Neighbourhood and Environment Act, local authorities have been given extra powers to deal with on-the-road vehicle repairs and car sales.

Mike Owen, RMI head of aftermarket, says: “The rules will curb the activities of rogue traders that operate without proper facilities or procedures. Many of these sell and repair vehicles on the road.”

The act makes it an offence to ‘expose or advertise two or more vehicles for sale on the same road as part of a commercial business or in a way that causes annoyance to others’.

Owen adds: “There are still many rogue traders operating at the fringes of our industry, and they bring the whole sector into disrepute. These rules will make it much harder for them to continue, which can only be a good thing.”

The new rules do not affect the legitimate activities of roadside recovery providers.