Proposed changes to RAF Act slammed

15 February 2010 - 12:16
By Benita Enoch

Proposed changes to the Road Accident Fund Act have been criticised by a legal expert who says they'll have the effect of reducing benefits to victims.

Attorney Michael de Broglio says he believes the proposed amendments will also rob the innocent to give money to the guilty parties.

On Friday, Transport Minister S'bu Ndebele published draft legislation aimed at speeding up the payment of benefits for victims of road accidents.

The envisaged laws propose that these victims no longer have to prove fault on the part of another driver before receiving compensation.

De Broglio isn't happy with the proposal that claims for loss of income be based on a predetermined, fixed amount of R13 000 a month, regardless of the profession or earning capacity of the victim.

"That's desperately unfair to the high earners who pay the majority of tax. They are going to have to take out additional costly insurance policies. If they die or are injured in an accident, they either need to support themselves or support their family, and R13 000 a month is not going to do it."

De Broglio says another issue is the proposal that a victim won't be able to embark on any legal action if they feel the RAF did not serve them justice.

null

Not rated yet.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK

Share your views