Rolls-Royce hosts road safety group days after Skepta seatbelt gaffe

Rolls-Royce has played host to a road safety group at its factory, just days after pulling a promotional video showing grime musician Skepta without a seatbelt in one of its cars.

The British luxury car manufacturer invited Sussex Safer Road Partnership to its factory in Goodwood, West Sussex, to demonstrate a roadshow alongside the firm’s production line promoting road safety.

The Sussex Safer Road Partnership is made up of representatives from a number of organisations, including Sussex Police, East and West Sussex County Councils, East and West Sussex Fire and Rescue Services, Brighton and Hove City Council and Highways England, with the goal of improving road safety across Sussex.

Sergeant Phil Badman, of Sussex Police’s road policy unit, said: “The aim of the event was to provide Rolls-Royce employees with road safety advice for all forms of transport. As one of the largest employers in the area, the company was keen to work with the Sussex Safer Road Partnership and the local community to minimise the impact of employees commuting to and from work. The partnership is delighted to support this ongoing initiative.”

On December 13, Rolls-Royce removed a promotional video of grime star Skepta from YouTube and its social media platforms, that showed the musician and another passenger not wearing a seatbelt in the back of a moving Phantom while producing a song.

Road safety experts expressed their shock over the gaffe. Jason Wakeford, director of campaigns for road safety charity Brake, said: “It appears as if seatbelts may not have been worn in this promotional video and, if that was indeed the case, we’d expect Rolls-Royce to be setting a much better example.

“Putting on a seatbelt only takes a few seconds, yet remains one of the most important things people can do to protect themselves in a vehicle.

“Failing to belt up is not only illegal, but it could also cost you and those around you their life.”

Edmund King, president of the AA, added: “Perhaps Skepta, the great grime artist, should listen to his own song ‘It Ain’t Safe’ before rapping in the back of a Rolls-Royce, apparently not wearing a seatbelt.

“Remember ‘it ain’t safe’ ever to travel in any car, no matter how safe, without belting up.”

Skepta responded to the criticism by tweeting a picture of a buckled seatbelt.

Rolls-Royce did not respond when approached for comment.