The RAC is to more strictly control the use of its brand in the garage sector after becoming aware of a number of garages employing its branding incorrectly or falsely.

The clampdown comes as the RAC looks to step-up its presence in the garage sector with a view to supporting its eight million-strong customer base.

RAC Approved Garages spokesman Gary Wrightson-Heyworth said: “The RAC is aware of some garages using its logo without any permission or association and this is something that we will be clamping down on.

“Only those garages which are approved under our new retail scheme to offer and arrange our branded products and services, such as the RAC MOT Check and Repair Plan and the RAC Service Plan, are allowed to use our brand.

Wrightson-Heyworth added: “Garages spuriously using the RAC brand will be sought out and appropriate legal action will be taken where necessary to stop any unauthorised and misleading use. This is something that we are very much determined to stop.”