A Conservative government would re-evaluate lawyers’ fees under the new road traffic accident (RTA) claims system in April 2011, shadow justice minister Henry Bellingham told the Gazette this week.

Bellingham (pictured) said that while it is ‘unlikely’ a Conservative government would scrap the new RTA system altogether, concerns among some personal injury lawyers of inadequate consultation by the present government would prompt a thorough review of the fixed costs available under the system.

The launch of the new RTA claims process, for claims between £1,000 and £10,000, has been delayed until 30 April. Under the new regime, claimant personal injury solicitors could see fees cut by up to 53%, although claims should be quicker to process.

Bellingham said: ‘This government hasn’t consulted enough and has lost the confidence of many within the profession.

‘It came up with what was basically a compromise: a fast-track for low-cost RTA but not employers’ liability or other things.

‘A number of organisations and personal injury lawyers think it was rushed through without proper consultation.

‘We need to see how the new system works, and keep an open mind. Like any significant change we will evaluate it, probably in one year – although it’s unlikely we will scrap it after a year. We don’t want to throw the baby out with the bathwater. We plan to be constructive and pragmatic.’

The Accident Compensation Solicitors Group is lobbying against the new RTA claims system. However, other solicitors’ groups, such as the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers and Motor Accident Solicitors Society, broadly support it.