Issue Date:  -  Tuesday, 19 October 1999

Itinerant bitumen layers - warning

The Ministry of Fair Trading today warned consumers and businesses to be cautious if approached by itinerant bitumen layers.

Commissioner for Fair Trading Patrick Walker said the Ministry had received several complaints and inquiries in recent days of unsatisfactory work and not working to agreed specifications.

"In addition, we have very real concerns that there may be unscrupulous operators out there who are making misleading representations in order to get work," Mr Walker said.

"We have spoken with people who have been told by the bitumen layers that they have materials left over from a previous job and are offering to re-surface driveways and parking areas for a good rate.

"Unfortunately, the work hasn't come up to scratch.

"In some cases, these people have even told customers that they're employed by Main Roads Western Australia, but I am informed this is not the case."

Mr Walker said the traders were using a number of unregistered business names and mobile phones as their sole contact point.

"The danger for consumers in dealing with itinerant traders is that if a problem occurs, they are likely to have difficulty in contacting the business to sort out the problem," he said.

People approached should ask for the full name of the trader, check with the Ministry to see if the firm's a registered business, and find out its principle place of business.

"Another good way to check a firm's credentials is to ask for the names of recent satisfied customers," Mr Walker said.

Media Contact:
Mike Winchester
Tel: (08) 9222 0961