EXPERTS in consumer rights have joined forces to put the brakes on dodgy car dealers and steer town motorists in the right direction when purchasing vehicles.

Bromsgrove Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) and Worcestershire Trading Standards have launched a drive to highlight attempts by traders and credit providers to evade consumer and criminal law.

The organisations want residents who have experienced the wrath of unscrupulous businesses in the motor industry to contact the CAB, which will then work with trading standards officers to crack the problem.

As part of a Worcestershire Consumer Services Network, all county CAB groups liase with the trading standards service to identify common areas of concern.

They have now decided to concentrate on rogue traders, dealers and garages in an attempt to stamp down on poor practices and those who deliberately flout the law.

Bromsgrove CAB deputy manager, Mark Hillier, said: "We want clients to bring any issue to the bureau relating to motor vehicles and problems faced when taking action.

"It could be buying from a private seller or dealer, or an issue over purchase of new or second hand vehicles regarding insurance, finance or repairs.

"It's intended with clients' permission that Trading Standards can get to hear about many more cases of the law being flouted. "

Worcestershire Trading Standards chief, Steve Birch, added: "Working in partnership with the CAB will help to identify quickly those problems and trends which may otherwise not have come to our attention.

"This will enable us take prompt action whenever it is required."

Anyone wishing to seek advice or report a matter can visit CAB at 50-52 Birmingham Road or phone trading standards on 01905 765373.