SEATBELT safety messages have been driven home to motorists by Northumbria Police.

The force has supported a TISPOL (European Traffic Police Network) campaign aimed at seatbelt enforcement, have seen a successful outcome following the safety initiative.

The campaign took place earlier this month and highlighted the consequences of not wearing a seatbelt while encouraging motorists to comply with seatbelt legislation.

During the operation, officers from across Northumbria Police carried seatbelt safety checks and took necessary action for those committing an offence.

The figures show there were 182 offences identified and dealt with, an increase to last year’s campaign which saw 98 offences identified. This year saw 180 offences committed on urban roads, one of which included a child not wearing a seatbelt.

The campaign was also an opportunity to educate drivers on the change in law regarding child seatbelts, which came into effect in March last year. It now states that children must use a child seat until they’re 12 years old or 135 cm tall, whichever comes first. Children over 12 years of age or more than 135cm tall must wear a seat belt.

Under these new regulations the cushion booster seats are restricted to older children. Only children who weigh 22kg or more, or are 148cm tall will be recommended to use the booster seat.

Insp Dean Hood, of Motor Patrols, said: “I've been extremely impressed by the quality and results of this operation and with the efforts of all our officers. They've done a fantastic job serving the public and helping to keep our roads and those that use them safe.

“By educating motorists on road safety and changes to laws, it helps us to tackle these issues and improve road safety for all road users and deal with matters that we know our communities are concerned about.

“The end message is clear, divers think they can get away without wearing a seatbelt and these figures show this is not the case. It is an offence and more importantly a danger to yourself and other road users. Think before you drive - it only takes a second to be involved in a collision and the consequences can be life changing.”

For details of the full legislation, when a child can travel without a car seat, fitting a child seat and types of child car seats click the link below https://www.gov.uk/child-car-seats-the-rules