INDUSTRY Watchdog Motor Codes has lent its support to a government proposal to introduce a new medium for garage customers to complain to.

One of the key points will be the Trading Standards Institute (TSI) to establish successor to Consumer Code Approval Scheme (CCAS) from April 2013. The moves will also see the creation of National Trading Standards Board (NTSB) to deliver the 'strengthened enforcement of consumer protection and combating of rogue traders.'

Under the plan, the OFT will no longer have the responsibility of delivering consumer advice and a new Competition and Markets Authority will be formed to take over from the OFTs Competition Commission.

The proposed new structure will be self-regulated and Motor Codes sees itself as being in the middle of it. Chris Mason, managing director at Motor Codes said:

"Motor codes already has strong a working relationship with Trading Standards, with Ron Gainsford OBE, TSI chief executive, chairing our compliance panel.  We look forward to working with TSI enhancing the current consumer codes model and will continue to offer support to Citizens Advice through our established advice and conciliation service."

The proposal is part of the ongoing review of the motor trade. If approved, it will become part of two 'customer charters' for the industry, namely the Service and Repair Code for workshops and the New Car Code for showrooms.