The IAM has thrown its support behind a ‘good garage scheme’, the latest in a long line of industry initiatives to protect the consumer from rip-off garages. But it has warned that this must be the garage trade’s final chance to get its act together.
For many years, consumer organisations and government reports have highlighted garages that prey on motorists’ limited mechanical knowledge and inadequate consumer protection laws that cost motorists millions of pounds a year.
Previous voluntary schemes from the industry and ratings from motoring organisations, have failed to protect the consumer from determined rogue traders. While many in the garage trade work hard to improve quality and image, there remains a substantial minority that continues to get away with shoddy work, overcharging and plain incompetence.
The IAM has criticised previous schemes because they have lacked the solid backing of the motor trade, the "teeth" to make sure consumers get a good deal, and a guarantee of easy redress.
The Motor Industry Service and Repair Code of Practice is the first scheme to contain robust measures for quality control and enforcement of new industry standards. In a crucial difference to previous schemes, an independent panel will regularly review the results of the new scheme to ensure standards are improving.
Tim Shallcross, IAM Head of Technical Policy and Advice said: “The IAM will sit on the independent assessment panel and we will be working at the heart of the scheme to protect consumer's interests and make sure it genuinely delivers the quality, honesty and value that motorists deserve. But, if the motor trade fails to deliver on its promises, the government must fast-track legislation to enforce statutory measures to solve the problems, once and for all."
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Issued by the IAM Press Office, telephone 020 8996 7777. An ISDN line is available for interviews.
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The IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) directly influences the driving and riding of more than 160,000 road users a year (full members, associates and commercial clients) in the UK and Ireland. Established in 1956, the IAM is today best known for the advanced driving test and the advanced driving course. The IAM has grown to become the UK’s leading road safety charity, dedicated to raising driving standards, engaging with the road-using public and influencing road safety policy. IAM Fleet, the corporate arm of the IAM, has two subsidiary companies, Drive & Survive and Fleet Ireland.
A 2006 report by Brunel University, following an 18 month study, concluded that “advanced driver training produces safer drivers and lower accident involvement”, with measurable improvements in knowledge, skills and attitude. The “Driving Tips” provided by the IAM are part of our broader road safety mission and not intended as a substitute for the advanced driving course.
In January 2007, the IAM Motoring Trust was established as the research and advocacy arm of the IAM. The IAM Motoring Trust will undertake research, promote practical policies, act as an advocate for safer roads, safer drivers and safer vehicles and encourage responsible motoring through education and training.
