A DRIVE to stamp out the 'clocking' of used cars has been announced by the Government as part of a proposed overhaul of consumer rights - but it has already been attacked as a damp squib that will do nothing to combat fraud. A consultation document produced by the Department of Trade and Industry says mileage should be logged every time a vehicle is taxed or has an MoT test, with details being recorded by the DVLA to ensure that the odometer had not been wound back.

Alan Pulham, who represents the National Franchised Dealers Association on the Retail Motor Industry Federation, described the document as a missed opportunity. 'This just perpetuates a £100million fraud by not making the clocking of cars illegal. You can pick up magazines and see tools for adjusting car mileages. The law must stop clocking at its roots.'

The consultation document will be open for comments until about October 29. A spokesman for the Department of Trade and Industry said: 'Some of the proposals may not need legislation but there will not be changes overnight.' Comments on the document can be sent to the Consumer Affairs Directorate, DTI, Room 416, 1 Victoria Street SW1H 0ET.