With the cost of fuel causing concern nationally, South Ayrshire Trading Standards is reassuring motorists that they are getting fair measure when they fill up locally. The cost of fuel has risen by about 20p per litre in the past year. So how do customers know that the amount of fuel they are paying for is correct and that they are not receiving short measure?

A spokesperson for South Ayrshire Council Trading Standards said: "We have seen a rise in the number of complaints about petrol and diesel pumps coinciding with the sharp rise in fuel prices. People now are more likely to complain about pumps that seem to run slowly or stutter, for example, as they fear it is a sign of short measure."

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"Over the past year Officers have visited every petrol site within the South Ayrshire area to ensure they are operating safely. During these visits we also carry out a series of tests using accurate measures to ensure the pump delivers within a tight tolerance under a variety of conditions.

"We can assure consumers that no major problems have been found with the accuracy of the petrol pumps. Whilst it is not unknown for a pump to develop a fault resulting in short measure being given, this is not as common as it once was due to the superior technology now in use."

Councillor Peter Convery, who is responsible for Trading Standards issues within South Ayrshire said: "With fuel prices so high it's natural that drivers want to make sure that that they are getting their money's worth.

"Last year, with the agreement of local petrol stations, Trading Standards introduced a scheme whereby the public would know that the pump had been checked and passed for accuracy by testing the equipment and attaching a testing certificate sticker to the side of pumps.

"Most petrol pumps should now have these stickers but if consumers suspect that they have received a short measure of fuel they should take a note of the pump number and the grade of fuel they have bought, keep their receipt and then contact Trading Standards on the number below."

(GK/JM)