Bradford East MP and car insurance campaigner David Ward has welcomed government moves to tighten the rules around whiplash claims.

Last year, Mr Ward’s report into the cost of car insurance identified bogus whiplash claims as the key factor in pushing up premiums.

Around 150,000 whiplash claims a year are “fake or over-diagnosed”, but insurance companies are forced to pay out because it is cheaper than contesting the claims in court.

The Transport Secretary and Justice Secretary are set to announce changes following a summit on the issue in Downing Street this week.

Mr Ward said: “Fraudulent whiplash claims have driven up premiums in the city more than any other factor.

“They are adding at least £90 a year to the average premium and far more in some parts of Bradford.”