Posted by Peter Warman on October 10, 2003, 9:12 am
Hi All
Just thought i would enquire to see how many of you are aware of the new "CarWise" scheme which in being launched early next spring in association with the RMI. This is the new OFT backed scheme that has been talked about for the last year or so. Members of the CarWise scheme will have to sign up to a code of practice either through the RMI or independently
The scheme will get full approval in the spring along with a nationwide advertising campaign by the OFT.
I would imagine the OFT would recommend that the motoring public would be advised to only use garages that display the new CarWise logo, if you dont, then buyer beware (don't come whinging to us if you get ripped off)
I have never been a member of a trade organisation in all my trading years, but i have now joined the RMI. I think the time has come to help support the cleaning up of our motor trade image
I only have two concerns, one is the public awareness part, the OFT need to get the message across in the long term, not just a quick blaze in the Sunday tabloids and then forgotten, it needs to be an long ongoing campaign to get the message accross. My other concern is that if a trader does continually foul up, the appropriate action is taken, and not just a slap on the wrist because they pay a bigger fee, they must lose their right to display the CarWise logo
Ultimately i would like to see the scheme progress into the individual licencing of technicians.....may be a long way off, but with more complex vehicles on the road capable of 150 mph, customers need to be assured that the tech working on his 80k Merc is licenced and up to speed