Drivers caught not wearing belts

More than 220 drivers in east Berkshire were stopped and fined for not wearing their seatbelts in just one week.

Thames Valley Police, the Safer Roads partnership and local councils carried out spot checks in Slough, Maidenhead, Bracknell, Datchet and Sandhurst.

A total of 224 people were issued with £30 fixed penalty notices for failing to wear a seatbelt while 31 drivers were caught using their mobile phones.

The initiative was part of the Europe-wide seatbelt safety week.

The exercise ran from 8 to 14 September.

Drivers caught using their phones at the wheel received a £60 fine and three penalty points.

25 years on

Also, three people had their vehicle seized and were given £200 fines and six penalty points for driving with no insurance while two drivers were arrested for drink-driving.

Pc Bob Wade, of Thames Valley Safer Roads Partnership, said: "It is very disappointing that so many people are still flouting seatbelt laws - over 25 years since they came into force.

"One driver told me 'it is my car and it is up to me when and where I wear a belt'. He is wrong.

"These drivers would not have sat their driving test without their seatbelt on and they are well aware why... it is illegal."

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