A north-east MSP expressed dismay that retailers who impose unfair delivery charges do not appear to be getting the message.
Richard Lochhead, who represents Moray and has spearheaded a campaign against a postcode lottery is to meet with an advertising watchdog today.
He has been calling for greater scrutiny of firms who charge higher delivery charges to the north of Scotland for almost a year.
It is estimated that extra charges added to parcels cost Scottish consumers about £36 million every year.
And, while people in more rural areas are being charged extra, many firms continue to advertise free delivery across the UK.
Now, as delivery firms gear up for their busiest time of the year over Christmas, Mr Lochhead will meet with Guy Parker, chief executive of the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).
The ASA is the independent regulator of advertising across the UK and has so far issued 226 enforcement notices to firms off the back of Mr Lochhead’s campaign, which was backed by the Press and Journal.
However, the MSP has called for companies to take action now instead of waiting to be given warnings.
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He said: “Our meeting comes just after another 98 firms have been issued with enforcement notices as a direct result of my second dossier, highlighting firms that were ripping off customers in many parts of Scotland, including Moray.
“Clearly this is another significant step in the fight against unfair delivery charges, which can have a serious impact on consumers and local businesses.
“It’s fundamentally unfair for companies to advertise free UK-wide delivery but then hit buyers with hidden fees.
“I’m glad that the ASA have been willing to step in with presented with evidence and it’s pleasing that many firms are responding positively and making immediate changes.
“But they shouldn’t wait until they get hit with an enforcement notice – it’s time for all retailers to take this seriously and stop ripping off my constituents and consumers across the country.”
ASA confirmed Mr Parker would be meeting with the MSP to continue their cooperation on the issue.
A spokesman said: “We have done a lot to address the concerns that Mr Lochhead has raised by issuing enforcement notices and taking other action.
“We will be continuing our discussions with Mr Lochhead and any other consumer protection issues he has concerns about.”
