Motorists who fail to buckle up will be targeted as part of a national campaign aimed at reducing the number of people killed or seriously injured on the roads.
Between Monday 13 and Sunday 26 June 2022, Kent Police will be supporting an operation led by the National Police Chiefs’ Council to educate and enforce the law against those who place themselves and others at risk by not wearing seatbelts or ensuring children in their vehicle are not safely secured.
Failing to wear a seatbelt is one of the ‘fatal factors’ that contribute to the highest number of road collisions resulting in deaths and serious injuries, along with speeding, driving whilst under the influence or drink or drugs, and using a mobile phone or other electronic device at the wheel. It is also the only factor that does not directly cause a collision but does have consequences for the severity of injuries suffered.
The traffic operation in Kent will see officers from the Road Safety Unit supported by other roads policing colleagues and volunteers from the Special Constabulary take action in response to seatbelt infringements whilst also enforcing other traffic laws.
£500 fine
Chief Inspector Craig West, Head of Roads Policing, said: ‘National figures suggest that people who do not wear seatbelts are twice as likely to die if they are involved in a collision. That is why we take it so seriously and why anyone who does not buckle up faces being issued with a Traffic Offence Report that could result in a fine of up to £500.
‘During the same operation last year a total of 224 reports were issued, which shockingly included 14 for failing to ensure a child in the vehicle was wearing a seatbelt. On five occasions the child in question was under the age of three.
‘Whilst the vast majority of road users appreciate the importance of wearing seatbelts, there are unfortunately still a number who take unnecessary risks because they believe the worst will never happen to them. Sadly the worst does sometimes happen, and that is why Kent Police is supporting this important national campaign.’