News and Events
See other news storiesSeatbelt dodgers face tougher penalties
29 June 2009
Motorists caught without a seatbelt will now face on-the-spot fines of £60.
The fine doubled from its previous level of £30 as part of a new road safety crackdown.
Seatbelts reduce the risk of dying in a 30mph crash by 60%, yet some drivers and passengers are still refusing to wear them.
The increased fine follows a public consultation to find out what people thought about motorists who continued to flout the seatbelt laws, despite repeated warning that they were putting their own lives and the lives of others at risk.
Increased fine for illegal number plates
Drivers using illegal number plates will also face an increased fine. This includes using plates with the wrong font, size or colour. The use of illegal number plates has a big impact on criminal investigations.
Sending a clear message to keep people safe
Home Office Minister Alan Campbell said we need to ‘go further to make it clear to those who do not obey the rules that they are not only risking their lives but others too.'
He added, ‘By increasing the fixed penalty, we are sending a clear message to motorists that we will crack down on them if they are caught failing to take this vital safety precaution. This is not about taking money from motorists, it’s about doing all we can to keep the public safe on our roads.’
