The UK's leading motoring organisation has launched a scathing attack on government ministers, accusing them of abandoning British drivers to face increasingly lengthy and costly vehicle repair delays.
In a damning new report, the RAC reveals that drivers are now waiting up to five weeks for essential repairs - more than double the average wait time recorded just two years ago.
Government Departments Playing 'Pass the Parcel'
The investigation uncovered what appears to be a bureaucratic nightmare, with three separate government departments - the Department for Transport (DfT), Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), and Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) - all refusing to take responsibility for addressing the crisis.
Rod Dennis of the RAC expressed his frustration, stating: "When we raised these concerning findings with officials, we were met with a circular runaround. Each department pointed fingers at another, leaving motorists without any clear solution or support."
Garages Overwhelmed by Staffing Crisis
The root cause of these extensive delays appears to be a perfect storm of factors crippling the automotive repair industry:
- A severe shortage of qualified mechanics
- Increasing complexity of modern vehicle technology
- Supply chain disruptions affecting spare parts availability
- Growing demand as more drivers keep older vehicles on the road
One garage owner interviewed for the investigation reported that finding skilled technicians has become "almost impossible," forcing many workshops to turn away business despite having full booking schedules.
Financial Burden Mounting for Drivers
The consequences for ordinary motorists are severe and multifaceted. Beyond the obvious safety concerns of driving potentially dangerous vehicles for extended periods, drivers face:
- Prolonged dependency on expensive rental vehicles
- Lost income from inability to commute to work
- Skyrocketing insurance premiums due to delayed claims processing
- Potential MOT failures leading to further costs
"We're hearing from members who are facing genuine financial hardship because of these delays," Dennis added. "Some are having to take unpaid leave from work, while others are draining savings to cover temporary transport costs."
Calls for Government Intervention Grow
The RAC is now demanding immediate action from Westminster, calling for:
- A dedicated task force to address the skills shortage in vehicle repair
- Clear ministerial responsibility for overseeing repair industry standards
- Financial support for garages struggling to recruit and train staff
- Transparent waiting time reporting requirements for all repair centres
With no clear resolution in sight and government departments continuing to deflect responsibility, millions of UK drivers face the prospect of even longer waits as the industry crisis deepens.
