HL Deb 14 October 1997 vol 582 cc173-4WA
Lord Braine of Wheatley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What plans they have to publicise the benefits to passengers of wearing seat belts in the rear seats of vehicles.

Baroness Hayman

The Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions provides leaflets on seat belt wearing to local authority Road Safety Officers and the Police. The department is currently considering plans for future publicity campaigns.

Lord Braine of Wheatley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What estimate they have of the total number of injuries and deaths prevented through the compulsory wearing of rear seat belts.

Baroness Hayman

An estimated 880 lives and 11,200 serious injuries have been saved since July 1991 through the introduction of compulsory wearing of rear seat belts.

At current wearing rates, rear seat belts are saving an estimated 140 lives and 1,800 serious casualties per year, compared to no belts worn. With full compliance, an estimated further 120 lives and 1,100 serious injuries could be saved per year.

Lord Braine of Wheatley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What plans they have to ensure that Section 14 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 (compulsory wearing of seat belts) is more strictly enforced.

Baroness Hayman

Enforcement of the vehicle seat belt regulations is a matter for individual chief officers of police. Offenders are commonly issued with a fixed penalty notice, or warned, but prosecutions are also undertaken.