Member Article

Highway robbery in County Durham

Drivers in County Durham are more likely to have complaints about car repairs and servicing than in any other part of the country. Statistics from the Trading Standards national database show complaints are “significantly higher” in the county than anywhere else.

Between March and October 2006, Durham County Council’s Trading Standards received over 100 complaints relating to car servicing and repairs. In the North East region in the same period, over 500 complaints were lodged with Consumer Direct North East. Now the Service is urging people to follow four golden rules to get the best deal from their garage - know what they want, shop around, be specific and get everything in writing.

Phillip Holman, the County Council’s Head of Trading Standards, said: “Remember you have a legal right for servicing and repairs to be carried out to a proper standard. “The County Council has launched a Registered Trader Scheme for house repairs and improvements, which is proving very popular, and it’s hoping to develop the scheme to include other trade sectors such as the motor trade.”

Anyone wanting advice about problems with car repairs and servicing, or with any consumer problems, should contact consumer Direct North East on 08454 04 05 06.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .