The Retail Motor Industry Federation has called for a closer relationship with Trading Standards offices to help stamp out rogue dealers.

Partnerships have been established with more than 45 offices across Britain, but the RMI wants to see more, with the aim to allow Trading Standards offices to work as a single body rather than individual regional offices.

Commenting on the launch of a new modernisation programme from the Trading Standards Institute, RMI chief executive David Evans said: “Rogue traders and unscrupulous car repairers must be exposed. The TSI programme reinforces the importance of using garages committed to customer services and high standards.”

He said the legitimate end of the of the trade had been tarred for too long with the same brush as rogue dealers and added: “The RMI is in constant dialogue with Trading Standards offices but would like to increase the number of motor trade partnerships. We hope the new TSI programme will develop a closer working relationship with the retail motor industry.”