14 caught in seatbelt crackdown (From Witney Gazette)

14 caught in seatbelt crackdown

4:06pm Friday 1st February 2008 in Witney

POLICE caught 14 motorists driving without a seatbelt in Witney.

On Wednesday, officers monitored drivers in Station Lane and in one hour gave out 14 fixed penalty tickets and two warnings to drivers and passengers for not wearing their seatbelts.

Sgt Pete Reid, of Witney police, said: "While this was a short operation, it highlighted the number of individuals who still drive without wearing their seatbelt.

"None of the drivers ticketed had any valid excuse for not wearing the seat elt which were fitted and in good working order. Hopefully, those that received a ticket will now think twice about driving without wearing theirs. Still, this fine is nothing compared to the consequences they would suffer if they were involved in a crash.

"However, it was encouraging to see that during the hour, no drivers were spotted using their mobile phones whilst driving. The message seems to be getting across to drivers in Oxfordshire and we thank them for understanding the dangers and driving responsibly."