Beware dodgy backyard repairers

 Motor Trade Association of WA CEO Stephen Moir has warned Western Australian motorists who are looking to have their vehicles repaired to be careful and make sure that they are dealing with licensed repairers and not dodgy backyard operators.

“This is a serious issue because all Western Australians have the right to expect that their vehicle will be repaired by a suitably qualified tradesperson. Sadly, I have not only come across unlicensed repair businesses but also businesses where there were no qualified tradespeople working in them”, said Mr Moir.

Three years ago the State Government introduced legislation that required all businesses that provided vehicle repair services, either mechanical or body repairs, to be licensed. Part of this legislation also required that a certain number of tradespeople in the business also had to be licensed.

Mr Moir said that despite the legislation, current indications are that approximately 20% of businesses in the industry remained unlicensed and because of that consumers needed to exercise caution when selecting a repairer and should always avoid using unlicensed businesses.

“I have seen very professional looking operations that are just not up to scratch and remain unlicensed. My very strong advice to people looking for a mechanic or body repairer to undertake work on their vehicle is to ask if the operator is licensed. If they are not, walk away, straight away.”

Mr Moir said that consumers can check whether a business is licensed by visiting the Department of Commerce’s Consumer Affairs web site and searching for the business name.

“This is a very quick and easy way to ensure that you are dealing with a legitimate business and that you will be getting the quality work that you are paying for.”

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 Media contact: Tony Monaghan, The Brand Agency 0428 280 593