MOTORING organisation RAC is the top roadside rescue and recovery company, according to a latest survey.

J.D. Power and Associates’ independent customer satisfaction 2004 UK Roadside Assistance Study is widely regarded as the most authoritative in the UK.

As well as leading the overall customer satisfaction index with a score of 830, up 20 on last year and exceeding the industry average of 816, RAC came top in 22 of the 23 key areas of performance.

The J.D. Power and Associates study comprises feedback from nearly 23,700 owners of "51" and "02" registered vehicles. It showed that motorists believe they receive higher satisfaction with breakdown service from RAC, who operate their own patrols for roadside assistance and specialist contractors.

New RAC Roadside managing director Debbie Hewitt said: "This award is a tribute to the outstanding service that our people give every day.

“Their dedication to our customers, which has been well supported by the company's investment in technology, has helped us to build a strong business.”