• Unlicensed motor vehicle repairer to pay $2,000 fine and $566 in costs
• Repairer advertised services via Facebook and a website
• Consumers urged to do licence checks before engaging repairers

An Ellenbrook motor vehicle repairer has been fined $2,000 by the Perth Magistrates Court for carrying out mobile mechanical repairs without a licence.

Victor James Wright was also ordered to pay costs of $566 when convicted in his absence on 16 December 2022 of breaching the Motor Vehicle Repairers Act.

Between September and November 2021, Mr Wright advertised his mobile repair services via two Facebook pages under the names of Ellenbrook Auto Services and Wrights Mobile Mechanical. The services were also offered on a website under the name of Ellenbrook Auto Services.

A Consumer Protection investigation determined that Mr Wright had carried out unlicensed repair work at the homes of several consumers, issued invoices and received payment.

Commissioner for Consumer Protection Trish Blake said such illegal activity undermines industry standards.

“The licensing system is designed to ensure that only properly trained and qualified tradespeople can carry out motor vehicle repair work, therefore maintaining high standards,” Ms Blake said.

“Operating without a licence weakens the consumer protections that are in place and also creates a safety risk if the repairs do not meet a proper standard.

“Consumers should do an online licence check on the Consumer Protection website to ensure that the person they are looking to engage holds the appropriate licence for the type of work that is to be carried out.”

Further information about motor vehicle repairers’ licensing can be found on the Consumer Protection website where online complaints can be lodged. Enquiries can be made by emailing consumer@dmirs.wa.gov.au or calling 1300 30 40 54.

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Media Contact: Alan Hynd, (08) 6552 9248 / 0429 078 791 / cpmedia@dmirs.wa.gov.au