WIREDGOV

New penalties for failure to wear seatbelts and using illegal number plates

News Release issued by the Government News Network on 29 June 2009

Fixed penalty notices for failing to wear a seatbelt or putting illegal plates on a vehicle increase from £30 to £60 today.
The increase follows a public consultation seeking views on how to tackle the fact that many motorists persist in failing to comply with seatbelt laws, despite repeated warnings that they are risking serious injury or death to themselves and others.

Whilst educational campaigns and publicity have made considerable differences in behaviour, some drivers and passengers are still ignoring the fact that seat belts reduce the risk of dying in a 30mph crash by 60 per cent.

The increase in fixed penalty also covers misrepresentation of vehicle registration marks. This includes failure to conform with rules on font, size and colour of number plates. The use of illegal number plates can have a significant impact on criminal investigations and crime detection.
Home Office Minister Alan Campbell said:

"The vast majority of motorists wear seat belts but we need to go further to make it clear to those who do not obey the rules that they are not only risking their lives but others too.
"By increasing the fixed penalty, we are sending a clear message to motorists that we will crack down on them if they are caught failing to take this vital safety precaution. This is not about taking money from motorists, it’s about doing all we can to keep the public safe on our roads.”

Road Safety Minister Paul Clark said:
“Every day someone dies because they do not think they always need to use a seat belt. This tragic waste could be avoided if everyone took the simple step of belting up every time they got in a car.
“That’s why we run hard-hitting campaigns which highlight the injuries you are likely to receive if you are involved in a collision when not using a seatbelt – even at low speeds. I am confident that these campaigns, along with the increased fixed penalty for not using a seatbelt, will mean that fewer people are needlessly killed on our roads.”