The Independent Garage Association (IGA) claims that it is set to “create a stir throughout the industry” by carrying out a comprehensive study of consumer websites.

The IGA's study will focus on work providers to independent garages in hopes to determine whether these schemes genuinely provide a benefit to either consumers or garages.

It will also lay out the facts, so independent garages are able to make informed choices on whether to engage with these companies.

IGA director, Stuart James, said: “Independents excel at forming lasting relationships with their customers, and provide a quality service at a fair price.

“For some time we have been receiving feedback from the industry that these companies create a barrier between the customer and the garage, and generate profits by skimming a fee from a garage’s bottom line.

“The IGA believes the garage must always retain its true identity in order to protect the unique benefits independents provide.

“An open and transparent report will be created highlighting the working practices of these work providers.”

The full report will be publicly available in the New Year.