While whiplash reform measures are scheduled to take effect in April, a group of lawyers has told Financial Times that the introduction of a key element of the reforms should be delayed.

The reform measures, approved by Parliament in 2018, aim to reduce pay-outs for exaggerated and fraudulent claims from so-called “whiplash” injuries – minor soft-tissue injuries from motor accidents. At the heart of the reforms is an online claims system that allows policyholders to file claims quickly.

Read more: Insurance sector braces for whiplash reforms

However, Gordon Dalyell, president of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL), told Financial Times that the introduction of the portal should be delayed to “ensure that victims have access to advice.”

“If the reforms are going ahead, it has to be in a proper and considered manner,” he said. “There ought to be some delay to make sure that it can be done properly. The reforms raise real issues in terms of access to justice. To expect lay people to become used to using complex software is a challenge… people need advice.”

However, James Dalton, director of general insurance at the Association of British Insurers (ABI), told Financial Times that delaying the introduction of the portal would negatively impact holders of car insurance policies.

“The longer it takes to come in, the longer it will be before customers reap the benefits of reform,” he said.