Drivers stopped for seatbelt clampdown
Maidenhead: Police and council team up as part of campaign
Police officers teamed up with the Royal Borough council this week to clamp down on Maidenhead drivers not wearing their seatbelts as part of a national campaign.
Thames Valley Police worked alongside colleagues from Hampshire Constabulary on Monday morning to ensure motorists were complying with car seat laws.
As well as stopping people who were not wearing a seatbelt, officers also pulled over drivers who had incorrectly fitted child seats and those poorly restrained.
The operation – which took place at St Joseph’s Church in Cookham Road – formed part of the National Police Chief Council’s seatbelt campaign, which is running throughout
June.
Those stopped were given education by officers, and in some cases fines were issued for more severe offences.
Thames Valley Police was joined by the Royal Borough council’s highways department, as well as lead member for transport, Councillor Phil Haseler (Con, Cox Green), for the day of action.
Police sergeant Dave Hazlett, one of the officers stopping drivers this week, said: “Seatbelt wearing is not an option, it is a legal requirement when you are in a vehicle.
“There are only a certain number of defences for you not wearing a seatbelt – one is medical exemption; when you’re reversing, and one is where you’re doing deliveries of less than 50 metres.
“People say ‘I forgot to put it on’, but you don’t forget to close your door, or turn your engine on, so you shouldn’t forget your seatbelt.”
Sergeant Hazlett added: “Unfortunately it has been busier than we would like, of course. We’ve had quite a few vehicles stopped this morning, particularly around children not being restrained in vehicles or having the correct seats.
“They are the most precious element of cargo in your vehicle, so they should be restrained
properly – and as the child grows the seat needs to grow with them.”
Police said that the impact of not wearing a seatbelt has a knock-on effect in the event of a collision, and called on drivers to belt up and save lives.
“If you were involved in a collision and were not wearing a seatbelt, [think of the] impact that places upon the NHS and the fire service,” Sergeant Hazlett said.
“The message to drivers is quite clear – when you’re in your vehicle, wear your seatbelt.
“That one simple act can
make all the difference.”
Imogen Leonard, road safety officer for the Royal Borough, added: “In an hour-and-a-half that we were operational, we’ve had at least five seats that hadn’t actually been attached to the car, so they’re just loose.
“Then we’ve had a child sitting on some cushions rather than an actual car seat, so we’ve had an array of different issues. And what we want to do is educate the parents and the children.
“It just helps us promote the messages but also remind residents that we’re here to keep them safe.”