Uproar over illegal car dealers
THE City of uMhlathuze has vowed to investigate all illegal trading practises, particularly regarding unauthorised ‘pavement’ car dealers.
He was reacting to complaints by bona fide dealerships who are unhappy about the illegal buyers and sellers, operating along Empangeni Main Road opposite Central Park shopping mall.
The ZO had received numerous concerns from local residents and workshops, about people selling their cars in the open space along the road.
A reputable car dealer, who asked not to named said it was unfortunate that they had to compete with people who were not registered.
‘We are in business and we pay rates and rentals, and we feel that the city is letting us down by allowing these people to use municipal property for free.
‘It appears as if this illegal business operation is expanding, as some of these people are now filling car aircon gas at the same spots, while others are performing interior car cleaning,’ he said.
The City’s Communications Manager, Mdu Ncalane, said some of their by-laws are under review.
‘We are currently investigating our by-laws against illegal trading and advertising to see if these bylaws apply directly to these challenges.
‘Once we finalised our investigation, we will directly deal with all those who are breaking the laws,’ he said.