Fairness at the forecourts as county council tests petrol pumps

Motorists can be confident they are getting a full measure of fuel when they fill up their vehicle thanks to the launch of a new scheme by Cumbria County Council’s Trading Standards. Regular and unannounced accuracy checks on fuel pumps have been taking place across the county to make sure they are delivering the correct volume and charging the right price. The media are invited to view how the pumps are tested with a live exercise at Derwent Service Station on Penrith Road, Keswick at 3pm on Tuesday 8 May.

Recent months have seen the cost of fuel reach record levels and in certain rural areas of Cumbria petrol and diesel prices are higher than the national average. Motoring costs make up a significant proportion of household expenditure and along with rising prices for other consumer goods and services it is more important than ever that consumers receive a fair deal.

So far Trading Standards have tested pumps at 38 sites and discrepancies have been found at four sites. Pumps that are found to be inaccurate are taken out of use until repaired and verified.

To promote these checks the county council has ensured highly visible stickers are placed on every fuel pump inspected by Trading Standards. The stickers will give motorists confidence that the pumps have been checked as legal and accurate.

Cumbria County Councillor Gary Strong, Cabinet member for Safer Communities and Local Services, said: “Motorists spend a lot of money on fuel each year and with prices at record levels it’s more important than ever that they are receiving the correct measure. Many drivers don’t realise that fuel pumps are regularly tested by Trading Standards and I would encourage motorists to look out for the stickers.”

Angela Jones, Trading Standards Service Manager, said: “Testing fuel pumps is one of the many duties undertaken by Trading Standards to ensure consumers and businesses receive value for money. We’ve been working with a number of filling stations across Cumbria who have welcomed this scheme and I would urge others to join this initiative.”

Retailers interested in joining the scheme should contact their local Trading Standards Service office.