In my job as Consumer Affairs Minister one of the things people complain to me most is the poor response they get from some garages when they take their car in for a service or repair.

For the last twelve months I have therefore been pushing a new Code of Practice to help raise standards across independent garages.

The Code has got off to a good start with some 5,000 businesses already committed to participate. A garage that signs up to the Code promise to offer: (i) Honest and fair services (ii) Open and transparent pricing (iii) To complete work as agreed (iv) To ensure invoices match quoted prices (v) That there are competent and conscientious staff (vi) That there is a straight forward and swift complaints process.

I hope that Harrow car owners will check with their garage that they belong to this new Motor Industry Code of Practice for Service and Repair. That way they can have confidence that they will be treated properly.

Under the Code of Practice if there are problems consumers can call a free advice line on 0800 692 0825. There is a free conciliation and low cost legally binding arbitration.

For further information you can look on the Motor Codes Limited website at www.motorindustrycodes.co.uk