SWINDON Trading Standards is warning motorists to be on the alert for rip-off garages.

Robert Taylour, Trading Standards group leader, says some garages have been carrying out sub-standard work and has advised people to be extra vigilant.

He said: "Consumers rely on the integrity of the car service industry. But there are a lot of rogue traders out there and motorists need to have their wits about them."

Failing to detect faults, leaving cars in a poor state and not carrying out work were cited as common problems.

His warning follows an undercover investigation by the Department of Trade and Industry, which found nearly half of Britain's garages are overcharging motorists or carrying out unsatisfactory work.

Around four in 10 garages visited by DTI investigators from franchised service centres to backstreet one-man-bands are understood to have provided unacceptable servicing and repair work.

Mr Taylour said the findings were supported by an undercover survey in Swindon last year.

He said: "Many garages cut corners and provide a poor service.

"It is our role to carry out random checks, track these down rogue traders and protect the public."

None of the six local garages in the investigation fixed all the faults they should have. One missed 12 of the 18 faults, ranging from faulty lamps to low brake fluid levels, deliberately planted on a car. The vehicle was taken for a full service to main agents, national chains and small independent garages last August.

Motorists are also advised to be wary when buying second-hand vehicles.

Mr Taylour added: "Rogue traders are masquerading as private owners when selling cars to avoid their obligations under consumer law.

"So it is a case of buyer beware and contact our advice service if you are uncertain."

One rogue trader, Swindon's David Pearce, was jailed for 15 months in August 2000 after a jury convicted him of 14 out of 17 breaches of the Theft and Trade Descriptions Act.