Car code completes stage one of OFT approval scheme

The Motor Industry Service and Repair Code - which is backed by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) and the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF) - has successfully completed the first stage of the OFT's Code approval process.

SMMT and the RMIF together represent car manufacturers, franchised dealers and independent garages. Motor Codes Ltd, the stand-alone body they have established to set up to run the Code on behalf of the industry, has satisfied the OFT that the Code promotes and safeguards consumer interests beyond the minimum requirements of consumer law.

Motor Codes will now carry out comprehensive monitoring procedures - including visits to garages and customer satisfaction surveys - to demonstrate that the Code is working effectively. Only Codes that demonstrate this achieve Stage Two and are entitled to display the OFT Approved Code logo.

Last year problems with car servicing and repairs accounted for more than 23,000 complaints to Consumer Direct. To address concerns about the sector and build consumer confidence, the Code will require that:

* when member garages provide a quote or estimate for work, they also offer a breakdown of costs including the charges for labour and parts in writing,

* where it becomes apparent that further work is required, the member garage must first get the permission of the customer before carrying out this additional work,

* member garages do not take upfront deposits,

* independent disciplinary procedures are in place with a range of sanctions including warnings and termination of membership to deal with garages who do not comply with the Code,

* a low-cost independent redress scheme is available to customers, and

* comprehensive monitoring procedures of member garages take place, including inspection visits by independent RAC engineers.

Charles Wallace, OFT Head of Consumer Codes, said : 'Consumers need to know that when they take their car to a garage they are going to be treated in an honest and reliable manner. By using a garage that has an approved code, customers can be assured that they will receive a much higher standard of protection than required by law.

'We will continue to work closely with Motor Codes towards the next stage of OFT Code Approval.'