FTA scheme
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• The feature headed "Buyer beware" in the Lawton on the Law series highlighted the problems that can arise between dealers and customers. Jonathan Lawton went on to suggest that the FTA could help sort out some of these problems and avoid prohibitive and damaging legal battles.
It would be helpful to your readers who have these problems to know that for the past 25 years this is exactly what the Freight Transport Association has been doing. With 120 skilled transport engineers based throughout the country we are frequently called on by members to "referee" problems with their suppliers. Our totally independent and professional view is readily accepted by both parties to give an unbiased and honest opinion in disputes on technical matters.
FTA engineers between them inspect more than 2,500 vehicles a week which produces an enormous resource of technical information about vehicles in daily use. This data, plus the feedback from our members, equips us to discuss with all the principal manufacturers in-service operating problems. The FTA's manufacturers liaison committees, as they are called, have an excellent record of providing feedback for manufacturers on persistent problems and an effective, powerful lobby for users to get problems sorted out.
R Turner Director of technical services, FTA, Tunbridge Wells, Kent.