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Standards will cut 'cowboys'
Page 104
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IIMOST WORKSHOP managers responding to a Workshop survey believe that increasing registration under BS 5750 will lead to a decrease in the number of below standard workshops in the Nineties. However, they think that this will take a long time. "BS 5750 is a Godsend," said one.
fifty-nine per cent replied yes, 33% no, and there were 8% "don't knows".
Those disagreeing feel that "cowboy" operators will take no noticer and that this may increase the number of mobile workshops which do not register.
"The cowboys will never be killed off," said one manager. "People will still need the cheap rates offered by back-street operators," said another.
A few said that the future effect will depend on the capability of the Department of Transport men doing their job. It was felt that the Vehicle Inspectorate staff don't have time to do their checks, so they would have to witch hunt more".
One respondent said that BS 5750 will help "proved the domino effect works".
The survey of 150 workshop managers or their equivalent, using Workshop Turbocard replies and a Reed Busness Publishing list of dealers as database, was carried out for this journal by PSP Marketing. Twelve questions were asked, replies annotated and comments noted.
There was a very positive reaction to the next question: Would you welcome certification of workshops on heavy goods vehicles' brake maintenance in order to eliminate cowboys? Yes replied 89%, no 8% and don't know 3%.
There are too many "cowboy" operators around, killing off genuine repairers, was a common reaction; certification would give the industry a better name and improve standards.
Brake testing facilities (rolling road) are thought of as being essential by many respondents. They believe there is a lot of "shoddy workmanship" about, especially on commercial vehicles, putting lives at risk with workshops getting money for old rope.
Those disagreeing are mainly concerned at the cost involved in such legislation for the necessary equipment.
One manager said: "This would rule us out! We are running on a shoe string. We are working for less money than we were eight years ago."
One Scottish workshop manager said: "This industry is bogged down by legislation. The Scottish MTA is as good as certification."
The questionnaire and percentage replies are given in full on p25. See also Shoptalk on p3.