KENT Trading Standards officials say they have received a number of complaints from motorists alleging that their cars have required repairs as a result of being filled with contaminated petrol.

Drivers in Kent and other parts of the South East say their vehicles have broken down after they bought fuel from supermarket forecourts.

In a statement, trading standards officials said: "If consumers can show that the fuel purchased was contaminated they can make a claim under the Sale of Goods Act against the retailer that they bought it from.

"Drivers experiencing problems should take their car to a garage to get it independently examined.

"If contaminated petrol is proven to be the cause of the fault, customers should ask their garage for a written report confirming this, and ask for a sample of the fuel.

"They should then, prior to any work being carried out, contact the original seller of the fuel with a copy of the proof of purchase and ask for redress. We would also recommend people keep their receipts from their petrol purchases to prove time and date of sale, should they need to make a claim.

People who have experienced problems are advised to contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 who will make sure that the details are passed to the relevant local authority Trading Standards Service. Consumer Direct advisers will also provide appropriate information on consumer rights and advice on taking action.

Since last week the affected motorists claim their vehicles have been juddering, misfiring and losing power.

One victim Paul Cordell, of Stonewood, Bean, near Dartford, said: "Straight after my wife bought petrol our car started playing up. It still just about works but the acceleration fades in and out.

"My garage thinks it might cost up to £250 to put right and says about 10 to 12 other customers have had similar problems."

A woman driver from Medway, who didn’t wish to be named, said: “My car has just kept dying and has now lost all power. Apparently I need some sort of new oxygen valve, as apparently the contaminated fuel has eroded it.

“It’s going to cost me about £185 with labour. The garage I use has had so many other cars to do, they can’t fit me in for another week. I’ll be without my car for nearly two weeks.”

HAVE YOU SUFFERED PROBLEMS? E-mail the newsdesks at dartfordmessenger@thekmgroup.co.uk or bexleyextra@thekmgroup.co.uk or bromleyextra@thekmgroup.co.uk or call 020 8308 7401.