FLEET operators face a massive increase in insurance costs if proposals paving the way for at-fault drivers paying the NHS for hospital treatment are adopted by the Government.

In a consultation paper published this week, the group which advises the Government on reform of the law suggests that the NHS should be given the right to recoup costs of treatment which resulted from accidents as a result of negligence on the driver's part.

Law Commissioner Andrew Burrows said: 'There are anomalies which are preventing victims of personal injury and, importantly, those who provide care for those victims, from obtaining the compensation to which they should be entitled. We think it particularly important to raise for public debate the question as to whether the NHS should be given a right to recoup, from those who negligently cause injury, the cost of free health care to victims.'

The risk of incurring such a claim would have to be covered by a driver's motor insurance, pushing up premiums for private drivers by 4% or more. Company car drivers, who are perceived as a higher risk group, could face much higher increases.

Comments and observations on the proposals should be forwarded to the Law Commission at: Conquest House, 37/38 John Street, Theobalds Road, London WC1 2BQ by April 1, 1997.