Mechanics in Scotland charge the lowest hourly rate for repairs in the UK, new data has suggested.

Comparing the regions, London was the most expensive overall, with an average charge of £101.60, while Scotland as a whole had the lowest rate, at just £71.42.

Research from Auto Express and Warrantywise shows motorists face a postcode lottery over bills, with mechanics in Kirkwall, Orkney, charging just £44, while those in Twickenham, London, took £144.

Lawrence Whittaker, chief executive of Warrantywise, described the massive differences in cost as "offensive", adding: "Our advice is simple: shop around, negotiate and remember that as a paying customer, you are holding the ace cards."

Average labour costs per hour by region:

:: London: £101.60

:: South West: £89.12

:: East: £88.75

:: South: £86

:: North West: £84.72

:: Midlands: £83.77

:: Wales: £77

:: North East: £76.33

:: Scotland: £71.42