The motor industry’s self-regulatory body, Motor Codes, has become the UK’s largest consumer code of practice to receive government backing, with millions of motorists benefiting from the service every year. Jo Swinson MP, Consumer Affairs Minister, spoke at this week’s Trading Standards conference in Brighton where a new Trading Standards-led Consumer Codes Approval Scheme was launched to the public.
Motor Codes operates government-backed codes of practice covering relating to car service and repair and the sale of new cars under the new scheme. The automotive industry accounts for more than half the total number of approved businesses across all sectors, with around 7,550 manufacturer main dealers and independent garages affiliated with Motor Codes and committed to the standards that it sets out.
Motorists use an online ratings system to score customer service at garages on www.MotorCodes.co.uk and customers with concerns benefit from its Freephone advice line, which offers support and free conciliation to car owners. More than a third of UK garages are regulated by Motor Codes, delivering reassurance and the highest standards. Speaking for the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, Mike Baunton, Interim Chief Executive said, “Motor Codes plays a crucial role, ensuring that motorists remain protected and that honest, hard-working technicians and new car dealers are recognised. The new Trading Standards Consumer Codes Approval Scheme gives even greater credibility to self-regulatory bodies and it is testament to Motor Codes’ high standards of practice that it is the UK’s largest code to receive government backing.”
Replacing the phased-out Office of Fair Trading (OFT) scheme, Trading Standards’ new Consumer Codes Approval Scheme has been introduced to give customers greater confidence in trade associations and business organisations that operate codes of practice. More than 15,000 traders have already signed-up to one of nine approved codes.
Motor Codes was established at the request of government in 2008 to act as the self-regulatory body for the automotive sector.
