Watchdog blasts rip-off mechanics

Research suggests that consumers are often cheated

The entire car repair industry has been issued with a final warning by the National Consumer Council over "shoddy service and rip-off charges".

Trade bodies have failed to deal with customers' problems, says the council.

And it is threatening to make a "super complaint" to the government which could result in an Office of Fair Trading investigation.

The self-regulating industry says it will co-operate with "any deliverable scheme" to raise consumer confidence.

The council says it is "throwing down the gauntlet" by sending letters to several industry bodies.

"Years of inaction defy the harm this sector inflicts on consumers," said NCC head Deirdre Hutton.

"Most consumers aren't car mechanics. They don't know what needs doing to their car, whether it's been done properly or whether they've got value for money."

We expect to be able to bring forward new proposals for consumer protection in the next few months Retail Motor Industry Federation Have Your Say: Car repairs

The NCC's undercover research on car repair shops suggests that consumers are often cheated.

Repairs that need doing are missed, unnecessary work is done, and consumers are often charged for incomplete repairs.

Women are deceived more often than men, according to the NCC.

The council is considering a licensing system for car mechanics.

But the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMI), one of the organisations criticised by the NCC, says it is working with the OFT and Department of Trade and Industry on its own plans.

"We expect to be able to bring forward new proposals for consumer protection in the next few months," RMI chief executive Matthew Carrington said.

Timetable

He added that the federation had pushed plans to grant more consumer protection during 2003 and 2004.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), another body criticised by the council, said it has already taken action in the form of an OFT-approved new car code of practice.

"Car manufacturers have made a commitment to improve customer service through the franchised dealer network," said SMMT spokeswoman Kay Odysseos.

She said if this code of practice is followed, consumers should get a fair deal.