Trading standards warns on window displays

(26 May 2005)

The rise in dynamic packaging by high-street travel agents has led to a trading standards crackdown on window cards.

Going Places is the first victim of the blitz, with another large chain in court next week. The multiple has been fined £4,500, plus £1,500 costs, at Leicester Magistrates’ Court after its Loughborough, Hinckley and Wigston branches advertised incorrect prices.

Leicestershire County Council trading standards head of consumer services Keith Regan refused to name the next agency in court but admitted: “It’s of equal size to Going Places.”

Trading standards lead holiday officer Bruce Treloar said high-street agents are being targeted because the shift from commissionable package sales to dynamic packaging has led to advertising problems. “We are sympathetic, but it’s concerning us. More and more windows are not being checked daily.”

Under the Consumer Protection Act 1987 it is a criminal offence for businesses to give clients a misleading price indication. The maximum fine is £5,000 for each offence.

Regan said agents are not checking offers regularly enough, with staff trying to change window cards between sales.

“Resources must be put into checking advertising. Profits are being put before accuracy. Shops rely on staff doing it [while serving] instead of having a dedicated team-member. They’d rather make another sale than make sure advertising is correct.”

An ABTA spokesman said it recommends agents check window displays daily. “But these offers can change every 10 minutes, so it’s impractical to check that regularly.”

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