New police seatbelt crusade

Pc Colin Jones and Llew Williams, 10, at the campaign launch

North Wales Police are building on their tough anti-speeding crusade by backing a pro-seatbelt campaign, especially for children.

The campaign is being run by all four Welsh forces to try to reduce the death toll on the country's roads.

Police in north Wales will start carrying out routine checks from 4 November.

Inspector Brian Robinson said it was remarkable how many people survived in accidents when they wore seatbelts.

He said the number of deaths caused because seatbelts were not being worn in Wales was now "a major issue."

The fact is when seatbelts are worn, people are getting out of collisions where a few years ago we would have been calling for an undertaker Inspector Brian Robinson

He said: "There is an increase in the number of people who are killed because they are not using seatbelts.

Mr Robinson said: "The fact is when seatbelts are worn, people are getting out of collisions where a few years ago we would have been calling for an undertaker.

"On a very personal note, as I've got children, there is nothing worse than having to go to a serious accident. I find it very distressing.

"I go to a number of collisions where I am amazed by the number of people who survive when seatbelts are worn."

The North Wales force launched its campaign at Ysgol Gynradd Llanrug, near Caernarfon, on Monday where schoolchildren were given road safety tips.

Anyone caught without wearing a seatbelt, whether sitting in the front or the back of a vehicle, could face a £30 fine. The routine belt checks are due to last two weeks.