UK government support for garage codes of practiceResponse to Motorists’ Forum Report recommends garages sign up to OFT-approved codes of practice
Managing Director of Motor Codes, Chris Mason said: “It’s hugely positive news for consumers that government has today recommended wider adoption of OFT (Office of Fair Trading) / TSI-backed codes of practice and stated that it should be the norm for garages to sign up to them. The established government-approved codes - Motor Codes being the most comprehensive in the UK, with 7,000 subscribers – offer independent scrutiny of garage standards and a public-facing, online customer feedback mechanism. This transparency is something government has recognised as the way to deliver greater clarity and consumer protection. The commitment from government to communicate the benefits of code affiliation and its acknowledgement that, in addition to service and repair centres, MOT testing stations that subscribe to approved codes also present a reduced risk to consumers support our goal of making it straightforward for consumers to choose responsible garages, committed to independent scrutiny. Importantly for those businesses, this added protection can be achieved without the need for extra legislation, as the successful operation of existing approved codes has already demonstrated. Motor Codes has worked closely with DfT, VOSA, Trading Standards Institute and Citizens Advice throughout the whole consumer landscape review process and will continue to do so, with a view to delivering a practical outcome for business and peace of mind for motorists.”
About Motor Codes:
Motor Codes operates OFT-approved codes of practice that raise and maintain standards in the service and repair and new car sectors.
The New Car Code covers over 99% of all new cars sold in the UK and regulates the advertising, sale, warranty, replacement parts availability and complaint handling processes for new cars.
The Service and Repair Code helps motorists to identify responsible garages, offers a structured complaints procedure and promotes good customer service. More than 6,900 garages in the UK subscribe to the Code and millions of motorists benefit from its protection and standards, in addition to the free advice line and dispute resolution service.
The Code commits subscribing garages to:
- honest and fair service
- open and transparent pricing
- completing work as agreed
- invoices that match quoted prices
- competent and conscientious staff
- a straightforward and swift complaints procedure
It offers motorists:
- a free motoring advice line (0800 692 0825)
- an online Garage Finder tool, complete with real-time ratings, to locate the nearest reputable garage
- free conciliation and low cost, legally binding arbitration
Further Motor Codes information is available at www.motorcodes.co.uk |
