Seat-belt fine could double to £60

Back

Fines for not wearing a seat belt could double to £60 under new Government plans to raise the fixed £30 penalty for non-compliance with the rules.

A recent survey revealed that only 70% of adult back-seat passengers belt up compared with the 94% of drivers and 93% of front-seat passengers who do wear belts.

Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker said: "The vast majority of motorists wear seat belts but some drivers and passengers still choose not to, even though wearing a belt is a key factor in avoiding death or injury in a car crash.

"By increasing the fixed penalty we hope to deter more motorists from not wearing a seat belt and underline to them and other road users the risks."

Road Safety Minister Jim Fitzpatrick said: "Wearing a seat belt could save your life; it's as simple as that. Research is clear that around 350 lives in 2006 could have been saved by belting up.

"We are determined all drivers and passengers realise the importance of wearing a seat belt, both in the front and back of a vehicle.”

Views are also being sought on increasing the fixed penalty to crack down on illegal number plate offences.

Copyright © PA Business 2008

Get a car insurance or home insurance quote now.