Understand
Warwickshire Mum launches 'garage anxiety' courses after son faced £2,000 car bill
Overview
Sharon Hilton launched the 'Garage Anxiety' project through the Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership after her 18-year-old son was quoted over £2,500 for unnecessary repairs on a recently purchased car. Aimed at 16 to 19-year-olds, the course addresses young drivers' fears of being overcharged or ripped off at garages, which often leads them to ignore vehicle maintenance and warning lights. The initiative, delivered to over 2,550 students across Warwickshire colleges, includes interactive sessions with emergency services and industry experts to teach basic vehicle maintenance and road safety.
Key points
- Sharon Hilton founded the 'Garage Anxiety' project after her teenage son was falsely told his car needed more than £2,500 in repairs.
- The course is designed for 16 to 19-year-olds to combat the fear of being overcharged or ripped off by garages due to inexperience.
- Over 2,550 students across six Warwickshire colleges have participated in the initiative since June.
- The project involves collaboration with Warwickshire Police, Warwickshire Fire & Rescue, National Highways, Halfords Autocare, and Phoenix Motorcycle Training.
- Sessions provide hands-on advice on vehicle maintenance, checking tyre depths, and handling breakdowns or collisions.
- Organisers aim to reduce the risk of collisions caused by neglected vehicle defects and ignored dashboard warning lights.