Officers from Cumbria County Council’s Trading Standards Service have been busy testing fuel pumps across the county this year.

The tests have been made to ensure accuracy and fair measures for motorists across the county. Fuel pumps are tested by Trading Standards Officers regularly to make sure they are within the law.

The council keeps a record of any complaints made and investigates any allegation of short measures.

Councillor Celia Tibble, Cumbria County Council’s Cabinet Member for the Environment (including Trading Standards), said: “The inspections demonstrate the importance of weights and measures legislation that applies to such equipment, and aim to prevent any problems from occurring at fuel stations.

"Inspections carried out by fully independent Trading Standards Officers protects the interests of the public, and ensures fairness across all fuel retailers.”

To avoid any attempts at adjustment with the fuel pumps and fraud being committed, they are properly sealed by officials from the council.

The equipment used to test the pumps measures the volume of fuel sold multiplied by the price per litre.

This calculation determines the price to pay.

The inspection visits and tests on fuel pump equipment ensure that customers can have confidence in the amount of fuel they purchase.

Motorists across the Cumbria and the rest of the country have expressed concerns over the sharp rise in fuel prices over the past few months.

However, early in December fuel prices steadily began to decline again after they had reached record levels.

This was the first time since November 2020 that fuel prices in the area had fallen by so much within a matter of days.

At the end of last month, the prices had reached their peak of 147.72p per litre, but have since dropped by 12p per litre.

The council said the tests would ensure that motorists were being charged at an appropriate price for their fuel.

Anyone with any concerns about the operation of a fuel pump should initially notify the filling station manager.

Alternatively, people can contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133 or email trading.standards@cumbria.gov.uk