New 'environment surcharge" on Citroen car service

geoff_s---r

My car's just back from a Citroen service & I find they've introduced an unexplained "Environmental & Misc Charges" £44.50

When Citroen charge for an oil change & the like they don't consider that the disposing (or selling?) of the old oil has anything to do with their oil change price.

Seems 'Environmental charges' are an increasingly popular way for unethical companies to jump on the airline's "99p + tax ext' bandwagon. Where you try & camouflage your real retail price behind pseudo-taxation charges.

These same 'environmental surcharges' allows my business waste collectors to increase prices by over 20% each year, without explanation or complaint, while their land-fill taxes only increase by 1 or 2%.

And here's another thing that gets my goat .......... [ mail abbreviated by 'Enufalready', MSE.com's new automated editing software ]

Regards Geoff

Paul1_2

Think the answer is to stop using dealers, their charges are extortionate to start with so you are right that environmental charges should be included.

Is the garage in question displaying the fact that it is operating this system and is is explicitly part of the "contract"? If not you may have a case, even if you don't I would be seeking a detailed breakdown of what "Environmental & Misc Charges" £44.50 means.

As I understand it there was a change in law thanks to Europe and as long as your car is serviced to manufacturer specs by a VAT registered garage then you warranty is fine.

Paul1