The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is calling for the creation of a free, state-run database to help second-hand car buyers access vital vehicle history information.

In a newly launched report, the consumer watchdog aims to "close the knowledge gap" by providing details such as mileage readings, write-off status, past accidents, and safety recalls.

Currently, much of this data is either unavailable or only accessible for a fee from commercial providers.

The CCPC argues that greater transparency would protect consumers and improve road safety by reducing the number of dangerous or misrepresented vehicles on Irish roads.

To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Derek Considine, of Derek Considine Car Sales Ltd in Miltown Malbay and Michael Breen, of N18 Autos in Newmarket-on-Fergus.

Photo (C): Erik Mclean from Pexels via Canva