MORE than half of all second-hand cars for sale inspected by a town's trading standards officers were found to be faulty.

Trading standards officers in Stockton inspected 20 cars from 13 garages across the borough and found 11 had faults.

However, the result was an improvement on a similar survey carried out in the area last year.

Common faults included incorrectly inflated tyres or worn tyre treads and worn door hinges. More serious faults included inoperative rear brake lights and reversing lights.

David Kitching, Stockton Borough Council's trading standards manager, said: "The results of the survey are worrying because all of the defects found affect the safety of the vehicle in some way.

"Car dealers are required by law to ensure that the vehicles they sell are safe and in a roadworthy condition. Traders who ignore their responsibilities face prosecution."

Trading standards officers have powers to inspect, test or examine cars on garage forecourts.

If they find defects they can suspend the vehicle from sale and the garage must rectify the defect before the car is sold. Officers can also seize and detain the vehicle and apply to a magistrate for an order that the car be forfeited and destroyed.

Following the survey, Stockton's trading standards department is urging prospective buyers to seek the opinion of an experienced mechanic.

A leaflet on buying a second-hand car is available from Stockton Library or by calling (01642) 391180.