'Rip-off' garages cost drivers £4bn a year

GARAGES and mechanics offer a "shoddy service and rip-off chargesî that could be costing customers an extra £4bn each year.

The accusations follow an investigation by the National Consumer Council (NCC) which is threatening to submit a 'super-complaint' to the Office of Fair Trading.

The NCC has accused the car repair industry of failing to regulate itself after 11 attempts to raise standards in 30 years made no improvements.

They study found unnecessary work, charges for work that had not been done, poor repairs and bad customer service. Along with the Welsh and Scottish consumercouncils, the NCC has written to the leading trade bodies of the £7-billiona-year industry accusing garages of 'inaction' and 'lack of engagement with consumers' problems.

NCC chairwoman Deirdre Hutton said: 'Unless the industry gets serious about addressing the problems consumers suffer, a super-complaint may be the only way forward.'

A spokesman for the Motor Vehicle Repairers Association said: 'We pride ourselves in our very high standards and we are fully committed to protecting consumers' rights.'