Bonnet safety concerns were first raised in 2006

WATCHDOG first revealed a problem with the bonnets of Mk II Renault Clios in April 2006.

Programme makers stated that between then and March the following year, they received more than 1,000 cases of bonnets suddenly opening.

In March 2007, a former PR manager for the company appeared on the show to say that he believed the problem was due to a design fault.

Graeme Holt told presenters that he had left the company because of its handling of the matter.

Renault began writing to owners of the affected model to suggest they visit a local dealer to ensure that the bonnet catch was being maintained properly.

And also in March last year, David Burrowes MP, as chairman of the Government's Road Safety Group, tabled a motion in the House of Commons calling for action to be taken.