Finding a reputable garage has long been a nightmare for thousands of motorists - with dodgy car repairs ranking high on the list of complaints received by Trading Standards Officers.

Now a government-led task force has drawn up a list of proposals to address the problem.

Consumer Affairs Minister Melanie Johnson has acknowledged that standards in the industry are low, and that there is a high degree of dissatisfaction among customers.

"At the moment customers do not have confidence in the car repair industry," she said.

Plans attacked

But the proposals have been criticised as "vague" by the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMI) which represents 10,000 garages in the UK.

A federation spokesman said the proposals lacked detail.

It was not clear if garages would have to apply for a "good garage" licence, how this would operate, and how customers would seek redress against garages within the scheme which did not come up to scratch, he said.

The Federation pointed out that the bulk of car repairs are carried out without attracting formal complaint and says that another system of regulation would be confusing to the consumer.

According to its chief executive, David Evans "garages already have the option of voluntarily joining a trade association like the RMI which sets out and monitors minimum quality standards in its membership criteria.

"There would be little value in replicating the system."

But the Consumers Association has welcomed the move.

"Consumers are paying billions of pounds for poor quality and unnecessary work, said Helen Parker, Editor of Which?.

"We are delighted that the government has recognised this and is taking action."

The proposals are now being submitted to consumer organisations and the motor repair trade for further comment and the DTI is to sponsor an undercover investigation of garages - by submitting vehicles for repair and assessing the service provided.