MOTOR CODES RECEIVES FULL OFT APPROVAL

Motor Codes has received full approval from the Office of Fair Trading.

The approval means that the 6500 garages already signed up to Motor Codes will be able to display the OFT logo alongside other branding.

Motor Codes says the endorsement will reassure motorists and raise confidence in self-regulation in the motor trade.

Colin Brown, Director of Consumer Policy at OFT has described the move as “one of the most important developments in consumer protection in car service and repair for many years.”

Brown highlighted Motor Codes’ efforts to appear fully transparent with its customers, he said the code made it easier for motorists to make an informed choice.

Managing Director at Motor Codes Chris Mason said: “The Service and Repair code was introduced at the request of the government to deal with its continued prominence in complaint statistics and set out to improve standards and raise consumer confidence.

“This announcement sends a clear message that we offer a comprehensively backed code of practice and our network of garages delivers real peace of mind for the consumer.”

The OFT isn’t the only trade body to lend its support to Motor Codes, with the RMI recently pledging its support to the scheme as well. Chairman Alec Murray said: “The RMI sees this development as vital to the growth of codes. With full backing from the OFT the code can go further in delivering peace of mind to the consumer and improved standards across the industry.”

Read more about garage codes in the December issue of CAT, out on 29^th November.