These Regulations amend the Road Traffic (NHS Charges) Regulations 1999 (“the 1999 Regulations”) which provide for a scheme for the recovery from insurers and other persons of charges in connection with the treatment of road traffic casualties by the National Health Service.

The effect of the Regulations is to increase those charges in relation to incidents giving rise to treatment which occur on or after 1st January 2003.

Where a road traffic casualty receives NHS treatment but is not admitted to hospital the charge is increased from £354 to £440 in relation to incidents occurring before 1st April 2003 and to £452 in relation to incidents occurring thereafter.

Where a road traffic casualty receives NHS treatment and is admitted to hospital the daily charge is increased from £435 to £541 in relation to incidents occurring before 1st April 2003 and to £556 in relation to incidents occurring thereafter. The maximum charge which can be made for such treatment is increased from £10,000 to £30,000 in relation to incidents occurring before 1st April 2003 and to £33,000 in relation to incidents occurring thereafter.