11 January 2021
The whiplash reforms and portal, which has been delayed on several occasions are now expected to come into force in May, after being delayed by a further month.
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) had delayed their implementation for a fourth time, however Justice minister Robert Buckland made a statement today providing an update on the Whiplash Reform Programme.
Buckland states: “This is a sensible and pragmatic approach to take in order to achieve successful and effective implementation of the whiplash reform programme. Delivering these reforms remains a key government priority and we will continue to work with stakeholders to ensure that all are sufficiently prepared for the new measures upon implementation.”
Explaining the Motor Insurers Bureau (MIB) has made ‘excellent progress’, Buckland added, “We have listened carefully to the concerns raised by stakeholders, in particular the need for as much notice as possible to take the necessary steps in anticipation of these reforms and to prepare their businesses for the changes to how small road traffic personal injury claims are managed.”
Paul Nicholls, chair of the Motor Accident Solicitors Society, commented: “With key issues outstanding, the new rules not yet finalised and a worsening backlog of court cases, a further delay is clearly necessary, but only allowing an extra month is neither pragmatic or sensible and gives very little extra time to prepare.”