Seatbelt fashion to raise funds for charity

The garments, made from seatbelt material, are designed by students at the University of Northampton

A fashion collection made from reclaimed seatbelts is being sold to raise money for a road safety charity.

The garments, designed by students at the University of Northampton, are part of The Essential Collection – a campaign launched with Scrap Car Comparison and Brake to encourage young drivers to wear seatbelts.

All proceeds from the sales will go to Brake, which supports crash victims and their families.

Emmeline Child, programme leader for fashion at the University of Northampton, said: "The project is a proof-point for how fashion can reflect society and be a powerful tool for engaging in social issues."

Items in the collection including a duffle bag are made entirely from seatbelt material

Four people aged 17 to 29 are killed or seriously injured on the roads every week while travelling unbelted, according to Brake.

The garments, including a corset, duffle bag and festival bonnet, are made entirely from seatbelt material.

Each piece is priced at £208, a figure chosen to reflect the 208 young lives lost annually while not wearing a seatbelt in the UK.

Ross Moorlock, Brake's chief executive, said: "Seat belts are one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect ourselves when travelling by car, yet some still choose to risk their own safety, and the safety of those travelling with them, by choosing not to belt up.

"Whatever the length of your journey, and regardless of whether you are carrying passengers, we urge everyone to belt up for every single journey."

The one-off pieces are being sold on eBay between 29 August and 8 September.