A CRACKDOWN has been ordered on rogue traders who try to sell cars by the roadside in Rossendale.

Serious problems have been reported by residents living in the middle of Crawshawbooth and neighbourhood police are taking action.

But similar problems have been noticed in Newchurch Road in Stacksteads, Loveclough’s Burnley Road, Rochdale Road in Bacup and Market Street in Whitworth.

Under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 it is considered illegal for a trader to have two cars for sale within 500 metres of each other.

But often in problem areas there are several motors, each bearing the same mobile numbers, or different numbers for the same person, lined up along a single stretch.

Beat bobbies in Crawshawbooth and Cribden are taking action after several complaints regarding Burnley Road.

Warning notices have been placed on suspect vehicles - especially those belonging to traders which have been left to make it appear they are ‘private’ sales.

Pc Mick Jones said: “Vehicles cannot be sold from the roadside without the consent from the council. Traders who sell cars must not create the impression that they are private sellers.

“People also need to be aware of the issues associated with buying a car from the roadside as many are being sold by traders. Tracing the vendor may prove difficult should anything go wrong with the vehicle.”

Would-be buyers are being urged by police to undertake basic checks on the vehicle’s mechanical condition, and whether there is any outstanding finance.