Warning to motorists about new fraud tactic

A new car insurance scam tactic, dubbed "flash for cash" has been devised by organised gangs of criminals, again targeting innocent motorists.

The gangs lie in wait near exits for fuel stations, shops and car parks. The innocent motorist is given the impression they are being offered a way back on to the main road, only for the driver of the other vehicle to accelerate into the side of it and claim no such signal was given, which is very difficult to prove in a court of law. This shifts the blame to the victim for seemingly cutting off the other motorist's right of way.

The Asset Protection Unit (APU), a specialist anti-fraud firm that work closely with the police and insurance companies warned those most at risk are the more vulnerable such as mothers on the school run and elderly motorists. Others targeted have included those driving new, expensive vehicles.

The Highway Code says: "Flashing headlights. Only flash your headlights to let other road users know that you are there. Do not flash your headlights to convey any other message or intimidate other road users. Never assume that flashing headlights is a signal inviting you to proceed. Use your own judgement and proceed carefully."

Unfortunately, what was once seen as a rare, friendly gesture,  is now being abused by criminals and will now be viewed with scepticism and caution.

The Metropolitan Police's Traffic Command Detective Inspector David Hindmarsh told Sky News: "Organised criminal groups can set up claim management companies with the sole purpose of defrauding the industry. Insurance costs would then be claimed for recovery of the damaged vehicle, storage while awaiting repairs and car rental during the period. The advice would be if someone flashes you, make sure they are either stopped or don't risk pulling out. Always make sure it is safe to move before you do so."

Well Done Cat

Derby College has officially recognised the hard work and dedication of students and staff at the 10th annual Peak Awards event held at The Roundhouse vocational campus.

Catherine receives her award from Graham Schumacher of Rolls-Royce plc.  Photo courtesy of Derby College

More than 70 students and staff were presented with awards at the glittering ceremony which was organised as the climax of the annual College’s festival to showcase the talents of students across all campuses.
 

Among the winners was motor vehicle apprentice Catherine Treanor (19) from Duffield who won the Manufacturing and Engineering Apprenticeship award in recognition of her achievements and her work to raise the profile of the industry amongst young women.

Catherine at work at Station Garage Belper

Catherine has done presentations to school pupils and as part of International Women’s Day and has also recently returned from Germany where she spent two weeks working for a VQ Audi dealership in Gera as part of a work exchange programme involving Derby College and other European learning providers. Catherine, who is an apprentice at Good Garage Scheme member garage, Station Garage in Belper – attending Derby College on day release – was chosen for the exchange because of her work ethic and willingness to learn German.

She said: “It was an amazing experience and has definitely given me a taste for working abroad.

I was really honoured to be chosen for this exchange and took this opportunity very seriously – working hard to learn as much German as I could and getting the most out of the whole experience.”

Catherine has continued to educate women about how to look after their cars during a recent Ladies' Evening at Station Garage Belper where over 40 ladies attended and were shown how to check the oil and what is not included during an MOT inspection.

The Good Garage Scheme would like to thank Derby College for permission to post this blog.

Don't Let Car Trouble Ruin Your Holiday

The Good Garage Scheme would like to thank the Institute of Advance Motoring (IAM) for sending along the following advice for drivers setting off on a summer holiday.
 

This year, as you prepare to drive to the airport – as well as making the usual checks for your passport, flight tickets and travel insurance, spare some time to check your vehicle is ready for the journey too. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way.

You should do a thorough check of your vehicle before the big day, including fluid levels, tyres, mirrors and windows – you’ll be on a tight schedule on the day, so the last thing you need is a breakdown.

Make sure you check your luggage packed into the boot of your vehicle. If you do need to put some belongings on the back seats, make sure they do not obstruct your view out of the rear window and secure them in place before setting off.

Leave in plenty of time – if you feel rushed on your way to the airport then you are likely to make silly mistakes or even creep over the speed limit.

Plan your route to the airport the day before, and check travel reports for any disruption or road closures before you set off.

Make sure you get plenty of sleep the night before you travel to ensure you’re alert from the very beginning of the journey. And if you have to travel a good distance to get to the airport, leave enough time to schedule in a rest stop to fight the onset of fatigue.

When parking up at the airport, try to find an area which is not too crowded – the fewer cars around you, the less chance there is of someone clipping your vehicle with their luggage. Nobody wants to return from a relaxing holiday to a damaged vehicle.

The last thing you need on the day you start your holiday is unwanted stress from a lack of preparation and a shortage of time. Preparing yourself and your vehicle before the big day and setting off nice and early will remove the obstacles to you taking full advantage of Duty Free.

Enjoy your holiday.

Ladies Evening at Station Garage Belper

Good Garage Scheme member garage, Station Garage (Belper), held a Ladies Evening on 10th July 2013. Local businesses such as hair salons and beauty salons also helped to promote the evening with leaflets and advertising.

Around 40 ladies attended on the evening and were advised about checking levels underneath the bonnet by Catherine (Cat) Treaner, 3rd Year apprentice at Station Garage. Attendees were also given the opportunity to check oil levels for themselves.

The ladies were also shown an oil and filter change by Good Garage Scheme representative, Chris Poynton, who explained how quickly new oil is contaminated if the engine is not flushed first, demonstrating with samples of oil from a car in the workshop.

Jason Curzon of Station Garage explained what is checked during an MOT and more importantly, what is not checked. He explained that an MOT is not a service and that many people believe that having an MOT is all that is required.

Some of the ladies who attended commented that is was a very enjoyable evening and said they would be interested in coming along to another event later in the year for advice about making sure their cars are prepared for the winter months on the road.

As well as all of the advice and demonstrations given on the night, Station Garage Belper also managed to raise money to support their chosen charity, Action -medical research for children, with all proceeds from refreshments sold on the evening going to the charity.

For more information about Action, visit www.action.org.uk.

Well done to the team at Station Garage Belper and everyone who made the Ladies Evening such a successful event.

Teddy Bear Picnic for National BEN Week

The Good Garage Scheme joined in celebrations with automotive industry charity, BEN, this week with the "Bear Us in Mind" campaign.

BEN is the UK’s dedicated charity for those who work, or have worked, in the automotive and related industries, as well as their dependants.

Whether it's practical, emotional or financial support that you need, BEN are there to help. They also provide day, nursing and residential care across the country for older people in our communities.


Staff at Good Garage Scheme's head office brought their beloved teddy bears to work for a  picnic on Thursday, 18th July and the weather was just right for it.

 

We had a bear-themed quiz, prizes for best bear and a raffle for BEN's new "Benjamin Bear". A great time was had by all and we wish BEN a Happy 108th Birthday.

For more information about BEN and the wonderful work they do, visit www.ben.org.uk

Congratulations to Empire Garages

Good Garage Scheme member Empire Garages in Enfield have had reason to celebrate.

The team at Empire Garages recently attended the Federation of Small Business Awards Ball at the Connaught Hotel in London as award finalists.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has 200,000 members and is the largest business organisation in the UK.  Boris Johnson's Deputy Mayor of London, Kit Malthouse, gave an inaugural speech and presented the awards. The gathering included political and business leaders and the category finalists.

Empire Garages' entry was scrutinised by a panel of ten judges and they were short-listed to the top six in the Customer Service Excellence Category. On the night Empire was awarded the winners' trophy.  A team of ten colleagues were present and the table was given a bottle of champagne to pop open and celebrate the night.

Team Empire kindly phoned the Good Garage Scheme's marketing manager the next day with the great news and thanked everyone for the support which they say has helped to achieve the award.

Ajay Gokani, owner of Empire Garages, said, "The feedback received from Good Garage Scheme customers really helps keep the team motivated."
 
Well done and many congratulations to Ajay and Team Empire!

Good Garage Scheme on BBC Radio

The Good Garage Scheme began its radio campaign on the first day of summer with a message to motorists to check their cars before setting off on holiday. Motoring journalist Maria McCarthy spoke on behalf of the Good Garage Scheme warning of the dangers of air conditioning contamination.

As always the British summertime weather is keeping us guessing, so to ensure you’re not raging in a lay-by instead of enjoying that all-important family holiday, it’s essential to be prepared to drive in all conditions.

Maria spoke on BBC Radio Kent, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Radio Scotland to name a few about the results of the research the Good Garage Scheme has carried out.

Anyone interested in a Holiday Check should visit the Good Garage Scheme website and find a local garage offering this service.

Safe motoring this summer!