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"Perhaps there ought to be a panel of reliable and respected whiplash expert witnesses."

But, Jonathan, that is exactly what the accredited experts registered with Medco are. They have to take an online course and pass a number of modules to gain certification. And they now provide every medical report on whiplash claims.

But there is, in essence, litttle in the way of science behind whiplash and so the "qualification" is actually pretty bogus,implying as it does that such doctors have some special second sight into the plausibility/honesty of the claimants.

Yes of course there are external indicators - documented consultations, drug prescriptions, physio attendances - but these are frequently absent even when the claimant says there remains ongoing pain and loss of amenity.

The default legal attitude to Whiplash is currently set at credulous. The reforms should turn it back to credible.