FER react to rogue workshop

31 May 2011  

THE Federation of Engine Remanufacturers has commended the actions of the Metropolitan Police after its officers raided a West London engine repair business in Southall last Thursday, but has admitted that it was powerless to act on complaints, as the business in question had never been a member.

The raid followed a series of complaints from customers both in the UK and abroad. Eleven arrests were made on charges relating to theft, fraud and assault.

Furious motorists contacted FER to complain about engines that went unrepaired and prices that escalated beyond original estimates:

“We have been made aware of a wide range of serious allegations about the company but as the business has never been an FER member, we were only able to provide the Police, Trading Standards officers and a SkyNews investigative team with technical advice,” says FER secretary Brian Ludford.

Enterprises that rebuild engines and are members of the FER subscribe to the British Standard Code of Practice BS AU257: 2002. This specifies which parts should always be replaced. However, there is no legal requirement to follow this code.

The workshop in question is still trading.