Scottish police forces in seat belt crackdown

Anyone caught not wearing a seatbelt faces a fine of up to £500

Police across Scotland are taking part in a day of action targeting people who do not wear a car seat belt.

It comes after recent figures suggested one person in every three killed in a car accident was not wearing a seat belt.

Since April last year, Scotland's eight police forces said more than 3,700 seat belt offences had been detected.

Any motorist caught not wearing a seat belt could face a fine of up to £500.

The campaign, aimed at reducing casualties on the roads, coincides with the launch of the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety.

Throughout the campaign police said they would also focus on drivers who ignored speed limits.

Ch Supt Charlie Common of Lothian and Borders Police said: "Over the next 10 years we will be working towards stringent targets in relation to casualty reduction and the type of action we intend to take forms part of that work.

"Once again, extra patrols will be evident and I would encourage all road users to obey the speed limits and take the essential precaution of ensuring that seat belts are worn."