North Wales Police Launch Seatbelt Crackdown

Be Safe and Belt up – that is the important message being driven by North Wales Police to motorists during this year’s All Wales Seatbelt Campaign.

Officers from across Wales have teamed up to launch a two week All Wales Seatbelt campaign, warning motorists and passengers that they are risking their lives by not wearing seatbelts and issuing fixed penalty notices to those who choose to flout the law.

The campaign has been launched immediately following the TISPOL (European Traffic Police Network) European-wide campaign.

Drivers and passengers can expect to see officers out and about on the roads during the two-week campaign, and those who choose to risk their lives by not taking the simple step of wearing a seatbelt in North Wales could receive a TOR (Traffic Offence Report).

During the 2014 campaign, 1,524 motorists were caught not wearing their seatbelt. 141 of those were in the North Wales area.

TORs have replaced all endorsable fixed penalty notices which means the driver will be contacted with details of how their case will be dealt with – be it an offer of an educational course, a conditional offer of a fixed penalty and/or driving licence penalty points or an appearance at a Magistrates Court.

Sergeant Alun Davies from the Force’s Roads Policing Unit said: “Wearing a seatbelt can mean the difference between life and death. Failing to wear a seatbelt is still apparent on the roads of North Wales and it is disappointing to see that people are still choosing to risk their lives and the lives of others.

“We have a robust strategy around enforcing the ‘Fatal 5’ offences which are failing to wear a seat belt, drink and drug driving, dangerous and careless driving including unnecessary risk taking, speeding and using a mobile phone while driving.

“Seatbelts are vital to the safety of you and your passengers and we will continue to take a pro-active approach all year round to educate motorists and enforce seatbelt laws.”