Calls to issue UK drivers with penalty points for not wearing seatbelt

Drivers who fail to wear a seatbelt should be hit with three penalty points, the Parliament Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS) has said.

MPs want to make the change saying the current £100 fine does not emphasise to drivers the seriousness of the risk.

The call comes as the UK marks 40 years since legislation was passed making seatbelt wearing compulsory in the front of cars.

The legislation followed years of campaigning by medical and safety organisations and led to the formation of PACTS.

The seatbelt wearing law came into force on 31 January 1983 and that year saw a 29 percent reduction in fatal injuries of front-seat passengers and a 30 percent drop in serious injuries reported.

“Seatbelts are a great success story but the job is not yet done,” said David Davies, PACTS Executive Director.

“The current £100 fine does not emphasise to drivers the seriousness of the risk and is out of step with the offences. PACTS is calling for three penalty points too.”