Police forces across Wales have vowed to crack down on motorists and passengers not wearing seatbelts as part of an All Wales Seatbelt Campaign which begins today (Monday 7th March).
The first week of the campaign will also coincide with a similar Europe-wide campaign by TISPOL, the European Traffic Police Network.
Inspector Steve Davies, Roads Policing Unit, South Wales Police said:
“Motorists and passengers need to be aware of the dangers they put themselves in every time they travel in a car without a seatbelt on.
“Those who fail to wear their seatbelts whilst driving or as a passenger can be fined and prosecuted. During last years campaign South Wales Police stopped 360 people for not wearing a seatbelt.
“Failing to wear a seatbelt is one of the ‘Fatal 5’ offences. South Wales Police, partner agencies and every force around the UK are committed to assisting in reducing casualties on the road.
“Drivers should remember their responsibilities, they are required to ensure that everyone being carried in the vehicle is correctly restrained.
“The aim of the All Wales Seatbelt Campaign is to save lives and prevent families from having to deal with the aftermath of a collision in which someone is not wearing a seatbelt.”
During the 2015 campaign 1,257 people across Wales were stopped by police for not wearing their seatbelt. There were 140 in North Wales, 360 in the South Wales Police area, 41 in Gwent and 724 in the Dyfed Powys Police area.
Both drivers and passengers can be fined £100 for not wearing a seatbelt and can be prosecuted. If prosecuted the fine could go up to £500. Any child under the age of 14 who is not wearing a seatbelt is the responsibility of the driver and the driver can be fined.
Susan Storch, Chair of Road Safety Wales said:
“Wearing a seatbelt and using the correct child restraints is a fundamental part of road safety. Anyone flouting the law is taking an enormous and potentially fatal risk. Partners in Road Safety Wales continue to educate and encourage the public to adhere to the law and we fully support our Police partners in this vitally important all Wales enforcement campaign”.
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