Motorists clobbered by record garage labour rates

Motorists were dealt a further blow in September when Warranty Direct announced the results of its annual labour rates study.

Average charges for an hour of a mechanic’s time rose to £83 and the highest bill per hour was a staggering £201.

The warranty specialist’s annual investigation of nearly 4,500 workshops across the UK heaped further gloom onto motorists who were also paying record prices for fuel.

While the average hourly labour rate climbed three pecent on last year, some will pay as little as £36.60 at the cheapest independent workshops.

Main dealer rates remained static but still generally cost more, whereas non-franchised workshops continue to inflate at an accelerated rate, up nearly seven percent to £64.58.

Surrey was the most expensive county on average, charging £98.27 an hour. Drivers in Powys, Wales, are charged the least, at an average of £53.46.