A petition which is calling for the introduction of a licence to practice as vehicle mechanic has attracted around 700 signatures.
Created by Mohammad Shafiqul Haque, the petition will close on February 16, 2019.
Introducing his argument, Mohammad said: “Anyone can open a motor garage and start working on any vehicles without proper prior knowledge or training.
“It is now time to deter rogue mechanics to carry out work on motor vehicles without having a licence first.
“The government should establish a regulatory body for motor mechanics.”
“Time to deter rogue mechanics”
The latest petition follows multiple others but none have yet achieved 10,000 signatures, the first official target at which point the government must respond.
Many independent garages have long called for industry licensing and an IMI poll suggested almost 90 per cent of professionals working in the automotive retail sector agree that some form of licence to practise is needed for vehicle technicians.
Commenting on GW, Gary Wood said: “It’s about time there was some kind of regulation within the motor trade
“We need to get rid of the stigma of being an industry full of conmen and thieves.
“If the industry is regulated by licencing then it will bring with it quality of service.”
“Not everyone will adhere”
Commenting on Facebook, Will Marshall said: “Not everyone will adhere to having correctly qualified people in their shops.
“It should be made a requirement for insurance that a car should be maintained by a qualified registered mechanic and if anything ever goes wrong with the car or causes an accident due to incorrect maintenance then should be fined and insurance void.
“They don’t allow you to work on your own gas boiler and you can’t get electrical work passed unless it’s by a certified spark so why not us?
“Let’s face it, cars are basically weapons so should be regulated properly.”
Craig Kenny also expressed concerns about industry licensing.
“A tax on the already legitimate garages”
He said: “Sounds good, but it will just end up being a tax on the already legitimate garages.
“We will be paying for endless compulsory courses and ever increasing ‘licencing costs’ and it won’t stop DIYers, [it] will just increase our over heads.
“Compete using quality and reputation, people who care about their cars and safety will use you over bodgers any day of the week.
“Those who don’t, they are stupid and I personally don’t want them as customers anyway.”
Select ‘more details’ below to go to the petition.
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