Suffolk Police cracks down on seat belt offences in safety campaign
Police will be stepping up roadside checks through April
Suffolk Police is taking part in a nationwide campaign led by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) to raise awareness about the critical role seat belts play in saving lives.
Seat belt use became mandatory for drivers and front-seat passengers in 1983, yet in 2023, a quarter of people who lost their lives in road collisions across Great Britain were not wearing one.
To tackle this, Suffolk’s roads policing team will be stepping up roadside checks throughout April to identify drivers and passengers who neglect to buckle up.
This activity forms part of the NPCC’s wider initiative running from 1–28 April, targeting the so-called “fatal four” behaviours that greatly increase the risk of serious or fatal collisions—including failing to wear a seat belt.
Research indicates that seat belt non-use is most common among men, younger drivers, and passengers, particularly those in commercial vehicles.
Drivers who fail to wear a seat belt, or do not ensure that child passengers under 14 are correctly restrained, can face fines of up to £500.
Inspector Byron Hearsum, of the joint Roads and Armed Policing Team, said:
“As officers, we see the devastating consequences of not wearing a seat belt on Suffolk’s roads on a regular basis. This includes both drivers who sustain life-changing injuries and families left behind to mourn a loved one who has died.
“It is a safety precaution which takes seconds to implement. In a crash, you’re twice as likely to die if you don’t wear a seat belt. By choosing not to wear one, you are not only putting yourself at risk but also everyone else you are travelling with.
“A seat belt will not prevent a collision but it greatly increases your chances of surviving it.”
Tim Passmore, Police and Commissioner for Suffolk, said: "I fully support this pro-active campaign to crack down on irresponsible drivers who still refuse to buckle up whilst driving. It amazes me that drivers should need to be reminded about something so obvious.
"I really cannot believe that anyone would set off in their vehicle without securing their seat belt first and ensuring their passengers are doing the same.
"Everyone knows you are more likely to die in a crash if you don't wear a seat belt, so I just can’t understand why anyone would flout this law.”