Campaign tells parents to belt up

Parents on the school run are being targeted in a seat belt awareness campaign launched by Salford road safety officers.

Figures show that 820 people were injured in cars in Salford last year - 40 per cent of those were not wearing seat belts. Recent observations outside schools and shopping centres in Salford showed that almost 50 per cent of cars had either the driver or at least one passenger not belted up.

As part of the Neighbourhood Road Safety Initiative (NRSI), Salford City Council and Greater Manchester Police are working in partnership on an awareness campaign that involves distributing leaflets and flyers and visiting schools. This will be followed by an enforcement campaign in which traffic wardens and road safety officers will target drivers and passengers outside schools to remind them of the dangers of not wearing seat belts.

"Our observations outside schools recorded the highest numbers of drivers and passengers who weren't wearing their seat belts. It could be parents think they are unnecessary on short journeys or they are just forgotten in the rush," said Don Isherwood, senior road safety officer. "Our aim is to inform and warn. Not wearing a seatbelt could cost you your life but it is also a criminal offence with a fine of up to £1000."

Further information is available by emailing Nicola Jones:
Nicola.jones@salford.gov.uk.