Predictable costs

The industrial agreement reached at the second Civil Justice Costs Forum was implemented with effect from 6 October by the Civil Procedure (Amendment No 4) Rules 2003 by adding a new CPR rule 45.7. It introduces a scheme providing that only specified fixed costs are to be recoverable, other than in exceptional circumstances, where costs-only proceedings are issued under rule 44.12A in relation to disputes arising out of road traffic accidents occurring on or after 6 October 2003 which are settled for an amount of agreed damages not exceeding £10,000.