Drivers caught not wearing seat belts will face points on their licences under plans to increase the penalties for motoring offences. Currently in England, Scotland and Wales if a driver is caught not wearing their seat belt they will be given a £100 fine.
The Department for Transport (DfT) have not stated their idea of how many points will be given to seat belt offences however, Northern Ireland give three points so it could be a similar situation if plans go ahead. If drivers have 12 points within three years they will lose their license.
More than a quarter of 787 people in cars who died in a crash were not wearing a seatbelt in 2017.
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: “The UK has some of the safest roads in the world, but we are not complacent and continue to look at how we can make them safer.
“Today’s action plan is a key milestone in our road safety work and sets out the important steps we are taking to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads.”
Earlier this year a survey by charity Brake revealed that 49% of young drivers had been in a car with someone who had not wore a seatbelt in the last year. It has been compulsory for drivers and front seat passengers to wear a seat belt in the UK since January 1983.
Steve Gooding, director of motoring research charity the RAC Foundation, said: “It is barely conceivable that tens of thousands of drivers and passengers make the decision each day not to belt up.
“The direct effect of non-compliance might be felt by the vehicle occupant themselves in the event of a crash, but ultimately the emergency services are left to deal with the roadside consequences and the taxpayer foots the bills.”
The DfT said any changes to licensing would be consulted on before being made law.
