Worrying figures today revealed that the volume of fines issued to speeding drivers in Suffolk is at a three year high.

SUFFOLK: Worrying figures today revealed that the volume of fines issued to speeding drivers in Suffolk is at a three year high.

The number of offences rose by 53 per cent between 2006 and 2008, from 4,104 to 6,302 - prompting police to reissue a safety plea to motorists.

As the winter nights continue to make driving conditions more testing, traffic cops are backing The Evening Star's Light Up, Shut Up, Belt Up campaign.

The campaign highlights the dangers of driving while on a mobile phone, without a seatbelts or without lights.

Figures show that in the past five years, police in Suffolk have been called to 340 road casualties caused by drivers not wearing a seatbelt - 47 of which took place in 2009 alone.

Between 2007 and 2008, a further 98 incidents occurred, 14 of which resulted in deaths.

Between 2006 and 2008, more than 9,590 fines were issued in Suffolk for drivers using their mobile phones while driving.

Acting Inspector Tim Lusher, from the Road Policing Unit, said: “We would urge all road users to stay safe and stay sensible as the dark mornings and dark nights continue.

“It is essential that all drivers remember the key points of driver safety.

“As part of our No Excuses campaign, run in partnership with Suffolk Roadsafe, we would urge drivers to follow the four key driver rules - don't drink and drive, belt up, slow down and stay off your mobile phone.

“Wearing your seatbelt should be seen as automatic when entering a vehicle as a passenger or as a driver and it is such a simple way to stay safe - you are twice as likely to die in a road accident if you are not wearing a seatbelt.”

Have you had an accident because a driver was using a phone? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk

Casualties caused by seatbelts not being worn

Fatal Serious Slight TOTAL

2004 2 11 40 53

2005 5 13 54 72

2006 5 19 46 70

2007 11 12 34 57

2008 3 15 23 41

2009 1 12 34 47

Offence 2006 2007 2008 Total

Using mobile while driving 2610 3067 2919 8596

Speeding 4104 5051 6302 15457