Survey reveals 5% not belting up

Police and council officials on Teesside are hammering home the importance of wearing a seat belt after a survey found 5% were not belting up.

The campaign in Middlesbrough follows a survey on the A172 Marton road which monitored 11,000 people, including drivers and adult and child passengers.

It was found that 503 were not wearing a seatbelt.

A demonstration model will be used in the town centre on Monday to show the consequences of not wearing a seatbelt.

Councillor Ron Lowes, executive member for transport, said: "The aim is to get the message over to drivers and passengers about the importance of wearing a seatbelt in both the front and rear seats of a vehicle.

"People all too often forget that seat belts save lives, even on the shortest trips, and at the lowest speeds. There is no excuse for not wearing one."

Acting Inspector Dave Lisle from Cleveland Police added: "We will continue to deal robustly with persons who disregard the seat belt law."