The RAC is developing an accident repair inspections audit programme designed to reinforce the strength of its brand and ensure uniform standards of quality at its 100 authorised bodyshops.

The programme is likely to mark a return to RAC inspectors auditing the repairer network. The RAC phased out its inspectors' service around a year ago when it adopted trade association standards for network membership.

An RAC spokeswoman said: “We have a strong brand that we are looking to reinforce by relaunching our inspections audit programme. But we will not be breaking our links with the trade associations – the programme will not replace their standards.”

The audit programme will be divided into three parts: post repair inspection; invoice audit – “to ensure the professional and ethical behaviour of bodyshops” – and compliance with environmental legislation like EPA and COSHH.

The RAC, part of Lex Service, has not ruled out charging authorised bodyshops an inspections fee for the audit programme, though it stressed that plans had not been finalised.