Cambridgeshire: 772 Without Seatbelt

5 October 2013, 06:00 | Updated: 5 October 2013, 06:13

More than 700 motorists were caught failing to wear a seatbelt as part of a road safety campaign, by Cambridgeshire police.

The 'Think' campaign, which ran throughout September, resulted in 772 motorists being caught.

From September 1, drivers have received either a £100 fine, which has increased from £60, or they can elect to take an educational course.

The new Seatbelt Awareness Course has been offered to eligible drivers or passengers and is being rolled out nationally by the
Government.

It is being provided by AA Drive Tech and costs £36. The course can be completed online or in a booklet and must be completed within 28 days of the course being offered.

Inspector Mark Rogers said: "If drivers continue to flout the law we will continue to catch them.

"You are 50 per cent more likely to be involved in a fatal road traffic collision if you're not wearing this life-saving piece of equipment. The consequences of not wearing a belt when involved in a collision are potentially horrific.

"Drivers should be responsible for ensuring all passengers wear seatbelts, and they will be fined for anyone under 14 who is in their vehicle and is not."

October's 'Think!' campaign will be on vehicle construction and use offences, which coincides with the force's Get Closer vehicle offences month. Traffic officers will be out advising drivers about the need to be prepared for the winter, checking lights, tyres and brakes and enforcing road safety legislation.

The Get Closer campaign raises awareness of crime trends in a bid to drive down crime.