Seatbelt crackdown sees 250 booked

MORE than 250 people have been booked for not wearing a seatbelt as part of a week-long crackdown by Suffolk police, it was revealed today. Officers issued fixed penalty notices to 257 vehicle occupants as they carried out a week of patrols as part of the European seatbelt enforcement campaign.

MORE than 250 people have been booked for not wearing a seatbelt as part of a week-long crackdown by Suffolk police, it was revealed today.

Officers issued fixed penalty notices to 257 vehicle occupants as they carried out a week of patrols as part of the European seatbelt enforcement campaign.

Chief Inspector Martin Barnes-Smith of the roads policing unit said: “Putting on a seatbelt takes seconds and yet if you are in a crash at just 30mph you will be thrown forward with a force of between 30 and 60 times your body weight.

“Seatbelts reduce this force and consequently the risk of serious injury or death.

“I find it difficult to understand why, when faced with these facts, people continue to ignore this advice. Wearing a seatbelt is an absolute must and can save your life and the lives of others.”

The campaign ran from 6am on Monday February 18 to 6am on February 24. During 2007 nearly 4,500 motorists in Suffolk were caught.

Failure to wear a seatbelt carries a fine of up to £500.