Car safety recall system 'should be overhauled'

Date: 28/4/2011

An overhaul is required of the current process by which vehicles in the UK are recalled, according to a consumer group.

Which? Car notes that the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) currently allows automakers to make the decision of whether a recall of a motor is required.

However, the group believes that it may be more effective to give the authority the power to force manufacturers to take this action should a safety issue with a car be suspected.

This is the current system in place in the US, where last year the National Highway Traffic System Administration (NHTSA) issued 118 recalls.

In the last three years, NHTSA's investigations have led to 492 actions involving 20 million vehicles.

Neil Greig, Director of Policy and Research at the Institute of Advanced Motorists, said he was in favour of the UK's watchdog becoming more consumer-driven.

"VOSA must be more proactive in telling drivers about recalls and technical problems arising around the world. It should be also be more involved in investigating complaints from drivers and holding carmakers to account," he suggests.

Posted by Mary Treen