Crackdown on drivers not belting up

Motorists driving without a seatbelt or not ensuring the safety of their passengers are being targeted in a police crackdown in the Stafford and Cannock areas this month.

Police will be out and about checking drivers are within the law, offering advice and handing out £30 on-the-spot fines to those flouting the law. The drive, throughout February, aims to raise awareness of the need for seatbelts and safety of passengers. It is the latest phase of a road safety enforcement and education operation.

Officers in the Stafford, Cannock and Rugeley areas are clamping down on mot-orists breaching the law.

The operation was launched last month with a focus on motorists with illegal number plates.

It targeted offenders, as well as offering support, advice and guidance to motorists.

During February, officers will continue to focus on driver visibility and safety, specifically targeting motorists who drive without seatbelts or carry their passengers wrongly.

Chief Inspector Paul Trevor, in charge of north Chase division's operations and community team, said: "The operation forms part of an ongoing initiative to meet the needs of the community in addressing road safety issues and concerns.

"It also aims to reduce the number of instances of road traffic collisions.

"Aiming to promote community safety, February's focus will be to highlight the need for seatbelts and safety of passengers. Drivers must always wear a seatbelt and ensure children are secured by appropriate seatbelts and child restraints.

"It is vital that communities feel safe – and safer roads make safer communities."

Those found to be driving without seatbelts or carrying passengers wrongly will be given a £30 fixed penalty notice. Correct child rest-raints must be used for children aged up to 12 or up to 4ft 5in tall, while an adult seatbelt should be used for older children.

A rear-facing baby seat must not be fitted into a seat protected by an active fron-tal airbag, as in a crash it can cause serious injury or death.

Drivers carrying children should also ensure that child restraints are properly fitted, they do not sit behind the rear seats in an estate car or hatchback and the child safety door locks, where fitted, are used.