ACS Calls for Clamp Down on Unregulated Car Washes
31 Jan 2007
The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS), the campaigning voice of local shops, has called for greater enforcement of existing car wash regulations.
James Lowman, ACS Chief Executive, said, “There needs to be greater enforcement against rogue operators who regularly flout environmental and health and safety laws.”
James Lowman’s comments follow the huge growth of unregulated hand car wash businesses across the country. Many ACS members operate car washes on their forecourts and are concerned about the impact that unregulated hand car washes are having on their businesses.
There are many strict environmental and safety regulations that mechanical car wash operators must adhere to, including disposing of the dirty water safely and Health and Safety requirements.
James Lowman added, “Many hand car washes are set up with little regard to environmental or health and safety legislation, allowing chemicals to leak into the water system and putting staff and customers at risk. These unregulated car washes gain an unfair advantage by not following the regulations, as well as damaging the environment.
“We believe that responsible businesses should operate on a level playing field, and it is the Government and the enforcement agencies responsibility to ensure that those who play by the rules are not penalised. ACS is in talks with the Government to resolve this situation and create a level playing field for all car wash operators.”
Contact:
Shane Brennan Public Affairs and Communications Manager
01252 515001 / 07921 372978
Rachel Lawson Communications Co-ordinator
01252 515001
Michael Saxton Grappa PR
020 7 4864448
Notes:
1. ACS is the convenience store champion, helping local shops thrive through lobbying, insight, information and commercial services.
James Lowman, ACS Chief Executive, said, “There needs to be greater enforcement against rogue operators who regularly flout environmental and health and safety laws.”
James Lowman’s comments follow the huge growth of unregulated hand car wash businesses across the country. Many ACS members operate car washes on their forecourts and are concerned about the impact that unregulated hand car washes are having on their businesses.
There are many strict environmental and safety regulations that mechanical car wash operators must adhere to, including disposing of the dirty water safely and Health and Safety requirements.
James Lowman added, “Many hand car washes are set up with little regard to environmental or health and safety legislation, allowing chemicals to leak into the water system and putting staff and customers at risk. These unregulated car washes gain an unfair advantage by not following the regulations, as well as damaging the environment.
“We believe that responsible businesses should operate on a level playing field, and it is the Government and the enforcement agencies responsibility to ensure that those who play by the rules are not penalised. ACS is in talks with the Government to resolve this situation and create a level playing field for all car wash operators.”
Contact:
Shane Brennan Public Affairs and Communications Manager
01252 515001 / 07921 372978
Rachel Lawson Communications Co-ordinator
01252 515001
Michael Saxton Grappa PR
020 7 4864448
Notes:
1. ACS is the convenience store champion, helping local shops thrive through lobbying, insight, information and commercial services.