Councllor Doug Curran
RESIDENTS have been given the go-ahead to continue selling their cars along Prod Straight following an outpouring of community support.
When local car dealerships asked council to reconsider allowing the practice in August, it took the request to the community.
Of the 265 people who responded to the online survey, 70 per cent believed car sales should continue from their current location. Council traffic committee chairman Councillor Doug Curran said the police and state government had also given their support.
“We have had an excellent response and some very good feedback,” Cr Curran said.
“Prod Straight is the most appropriate place for the second-hand cars – we would hate to see them moved to a worse position.”
Dealers had asked for the sales to be stopped amid concerns car owners were doing dodgy repairs or on-selling vehicles they had purchased from dealerships.
Council had also fielded complaints about drivers slowing down to view the cars and pedestrians walking out onto the road.
Griffith Motor Group dealer principal Ian Parker said he would accept council’s decision but warned bargain hunters they were taking a risk by buying privately.
“My concern is that people are buying cars that are not mechanically sound or under warranty and could be reparable write-offs or flood-damaged,” Mr Parker said.
“If a business or farmer purchases a car privately, they can’t claim back the GST and they won’t get after-sale service.”