A two-week road safety campaign in Kent has resulted in 353 people being fined for not wearing seatbelts in their vehicles.
The campaign, which ran from 12 to 25 June 2023, was part of a national initiative supported by Kent Police and aimed at reducing the number of deaths and injuries on the roads.
One of the main causes of fatal and serious collisions is not wearing a seatbelt, along with speeding, using a mobile phone while driving, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Kent Police’s Safer Summer campaign focuses on these ‘fatal factors’ and targets drivers who endanger themselves and others by breaking the law.
Shocking
Inspector David Crompton of the Roads Policing Unit said: ‘Seatbelts save lives and it only takes a few seconds to buckle up. It is shocking that so many people are still ignoring this basic safety rule and putting themselves and their passengers at risk.
‘It is even more appalling that we had to fine nine drivers who failed to secure a child properly in their vehicle, which is completely irresponsible.
‘The penalty for not wearing a seatbelt is a £100 fine, which can increase to £500 if taken to court, but that is nothing compared to the value of your life and the lives of your loved ones. Please always wear a seatbelt.’
Click here for more information about road safety and here for further details on the Safer Summer initiative.