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Nottinghamshire Trading Standards Officers ensure customers receive a full tank of fuel when they fill up

Consumers in Nottinghamshire can be confident that they are getting what they pay for on the forecourt, following recent petrol measure inspections that were carried out by Nottinghamshire County Council’s Trading Standards Officers.

During the routine petrol and diesel measure checks, Trading Standards Officers in Nottinghamshire were pleasantly surprised to discover petrol pumps, some from the era of flared trousers and glam rock, that were still working hard and giving customers correct measure. At one forecourt in Bilsthorpe officers discovered one pump that dated back to 1971. Along with the other pumps on the site it was given a clean bill of health for delivering the correct amounts of fuel.

Petrol and diesel measure inspections are an important part of routine cost of living checks that are carried out by Nottinghamshire Trading Standards to ensure that the prices paid for food, fuel, postal services and home heating oil are correct across the county. Officers have a range of testing equipment that can be used to check that businesses are delivering what they say they are.  So far during these petrol and diesel spot checks the majority of businesses that have been visited are complying with their legal obligations. Less than 3% of the nozzles that were tested were found to be giving less fuel than stated at the pump. Following notices to fix their equipment, the petrol station owners have fixed the deficient nozzles, so they now deliver legal measures.

Councillor John Cottee, Cabinet Member for Communities at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “By carrying out these checks we can reassure residents that they are getting their money’s worth in Nottinghamshire, which is crucial at a time when costs are rising. Retailers have also welcomed the opportunity to have their business independently checked, and in cases where we have found they are giving customers less than required, I am pleased to say that they have willingly adjusted their equipment to ensure customers receive the correct amounts.”

If residents have concerns about the goods or services they receive from a business located in the county, they can report it to Nottinghamshire Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.

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