West Sussex County Council: Information on Roadside Car Sales

Traders who advertise cars for sale on the roadside can commit offences under legislation enforced by the Trading Standards Service.  For example, an offence is committed by a trader who parks two or more vehicles within 500 metres of each other advertised for sale or if the vehicles are falsely described.  District Councils also have the power to issue fixed penalty notices to traders who breach the 500 metre rule. 

An offence would also be committed if a trader failed to indicate in their advertisement that a vehicle was being sold in the course of a business.  The inclusion of “Trade”, “(T)” or similar would satisfy this requirement.

If you have concerns that vehicles offered for sale at the roadside are misdescribed or the seller is disguising the fact that they are a trader then please report this to consumer direct 08454040506. They will give advice if you have purchased a vehicle from one of these sellers and also pass the information to Trading Standards if breaches of the law are possible.

Roadside car sales are of potential concern to residents and businesses.  The vehicles may, for example, be taking up valuable parking spaces or causing an obstruction.

If you have concerns about vehicles taking up parking spaces or causing an obstruction you should initially contact the District or Borough council for the area where the vehicles are located.