The rise in dynamic packaging by high-street travel agents
has led to a trading standards crackdown on window cards.
Going Places is the first victim of the blitz, with another large
chain in court next week. The multiple has been fined £4,500,
plus £1,500 costs, at Leicester Magistrates’ Court after
its Loughborough, Hinckley and Wigston branches advertised
incorrect prices.
Leicestershire County Council trading standards head of consumer
services Keith Regan refused to name the next agency in court but
admitted: “It’s of equal size to Going Places.”
Trading standards lead holiday officer Bruce Treloar said
high-street agents are being targeted because the shift from
commissionable package sales to dynamic packaging has led to
advertising problems. “We are sympathetic, but it’s
concerning us. More and more windows are not being checked
daily.”
Under the Consumer Protection Act 1987 it is a criminal offence for
businesses to give clients a misleading price indication. The
maximum fine is £5,000 for each offence.
Regan said agents are not checking offers regularly enough, with
staff trying to change window cards between sales.
“Resources must be put into checking advertising. Profits are
being put before accuracy. Shops rely on staff doing it [while
serving] instead of having a dedicated team-member. They’d
rather make another sale than make sure advertising is
correct.”
An ABTA spokesman said it recommends agents check window displays
daily. “But these offers can change every 10 minutes, so
it’s impractical to check that regularly.”
________________
To comment on this story, click here