A law change which aims to clamp down on bogus whiplash claims will make it harder for vulnerable road users to access legal representation, raising concerns among cyclists in Swansea.

Geraint Davies, MP for Swansea West said: “My constituents in Swansea have shared real concerns about proposals to increase the small claims court limit. The measure puts unfair legal and financial burdens on vulnerable road users like cyclists.”

The proposed change to the government’s Civil Liability Bill will mean that whiplash cases will now have to go through small claims court, meaning victims will be unable to reclaim the cost of legal representation, and should mean fewer claims, and smaller costs and lower premiums for drivers.

The bill increases the minimum value for personal injury claims to go to court for all road accidents to £5000, but provides no protection for cyclists, horse riders and others who won’t have legal support through insurers.

Geraint Davies continued: “Under these reforms, vulnerable road users suffering injuries are unable to access a lawyer should they wish to pursue compensation in the Courts. As most of the claims made by vulnerable road users, this unfairly punishes cyclists who are choosing a form of transport that helps our environment.”

“Vulnerable road users deserve the Government’s protection. We should be encouraging cyclists in their contribution to a greener Britain, not making life more difficult for them. That is why I support the early day motion 1140 to remove vulnerable road users from the scope of the reforms to ensure they are protected on our roads.”

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