THE motor industry has deplored the Government's decision not to establish a national vehicle mileage register to stamp out the scourge of clocking. An official review of the problem has concluded that legislation making the registration of vehicle mileages mandatory is not required.

Junior transport minister Glenda Jackson said that while the Government recognised the seriousness of the offence, the voluntary system established by the DVLA in 1992 was working well. The decision has been greeted with dismay throughout the motor industry.

CAP Motor Research operations director Andrew Wilkinson said: 'The current system of encouraging voluntary notification to DVLA of vehicle mileages will eventually bring significant benefits - but far too late for many people. The reality is that the Government does not yet fully understand the issue and until it does, the majority of consumers and dealers will continue to be at risk.'

Retail Motor Industry chief executive Christopher Macgowan said: 'We are appalled at the complacency of the minister in this national scandal which rips off consumers annually to the tune of £100 million.' A spokesman for the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association, which has set up its own mileage database, said: 'We bitterly regret the short-sightedness of the Government on this matter. It should be mandatory to disclose mileage information on change of ownership.'