From 8-14 September the EU-wide road policing network (TISPOL) will be conducting a coordinated seatbelt enforcement initiative, including in Devon and Cornwall.

Devon and Cornwall Police will be gathering data and information which will be shared with TISPOL member police forces with the aim of improving road safety across the continent.

Officers will also be carrying out local checks and other initiatives across the region throughout September.

 

Richard Pryce, Roads Policing Unit Inspector, said: “Seatbelts save lives. There is no excuse for not wearing one. Research has demonstrated the unquestioned benefits of wearing a seatbelt if you are involved in a collision.

“It is important that not only the driver but every passenger in a vehicle uses a seat belt when and where required.”

When you are caught driving or as a passenger without a seatbelt on, you can receive a fixed fine of £100 or possibly be referred to an educative course. If prosecuted in Court, the maximum fine is £5,000.

Inspector Pryce added: “Research shows higher levels of offending amongst young adults who travel as passengers in cars and fail to wear seat belts. Over recent years many peoples’ lives across the region may have been saved or serious injuries prevented if they had been correctly restrained in a vehicle when it was involved in a road traffic collision.”

You will find more information about seatbelts, including government legislation and guidelines, on the Devon and Cornwall Police website at www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/Traffic/RoadSafetyAdvice