Car part shortages and inflation have put “unprecedented pressure” on the county’s mechanics, a Norfolk garage owner has warned.

Shawn Taylor, who owns STR Service Centre in Norwich, said customers were having to wait up to six months for some repairs due to problems sourcing parts, exacerbated by a backlog created when garages were forced to close during the pandemic.

What’s more, an industry-wide staff shortage is limiting their ability to get on top of things. 

Norwich Evening News: Shawn Taylor, who owns STR Service Centre in Norwich, said customers were having to wait up to six months for some repairsShawn Taylor, who owns STR Service Centre in Norwich, said customers were having to wait up to six months for some repairs (Image: Submitted)

He said: “A lot of experienced technicians left the game during Covid and never came back.

“That’s pushed wages up because we’re having to compete with other garages to attract staff.

“But the problem with that is we don’t have the money to keep putting up peoples’ pay - even though we would love to.”

Inflation has hit the sector hard. 

The cost of materials has soared over the past two years, and with energy prices rising by more than 50pc last year, Mr Taylor said the business had taken a huge financial hit.

He said: “Our running costs are up around 30-40 pc but we’ve only put our prices up by about 10pc.

“You can only pass on the cost to customers so much before you price yourself out of the market.

“But the truth is we’re barely breaking even right now.”

Despite garages trying to shield consumers from the rising cost of repairs, the increase has already had a knock-on effect on insurance prices. 

The average price of car insurance in the UK is now close to £1,000 after going up by more than 50pc last year, according to the latest data from the price comparison website Confused.com.

Insurers have blamed the increase on high inflation, as well as delays in their repair and supply chains and the cost of parts and materials.