BACKYARD car dealerships are springing up across Warwick and local businesses want an end to the unlawful practice.
Budget Quality Cars owner Ronnie Surch said he had discovered dozens of illegal backyard sales operations.
“You only have to drive around Warwick on a Saturday to see these backyard car dealers,” he said.
“They’re using Facebook and ebay to trying to sell these vehicles, which is making it hard for legitimate operators who have to pay thousands of dollars for licensing, property leases and taxes.”
Mr Surch is now calling on Southern Downs Regional Council to put an end to the backyard traders.
Cars piling up in backyards covered with “for sale” signs could be a dead giveaway that a backyard dealership is in operation, said council’s Director of Planning and Environment Ken Harris.
Mr Harris said council was aware of the issue and was working in conjunction with a State Government body to carry out property inspections.
“There may be multiple cars in the yard, multiple cars with for sale signs on them on the weekend, different vehicles over an amount of time, vehicle parts and people coming to the house,” he said.
If caught, offenders could face court resulting in hefty fines and the possibility of a criminal record.
Mr Surch said he was not against people selling their own personal cars.
“But some people are attempting to sell half a dozen, even a dozen cars from their backyards, with no licence or regard for local businesses,” he said.
Anyone wanting to report an illegal backyard car dealer can phone Southern Downs Regional Council on 4661 0300.
