Environment Minister Arlene Foster said: “Drivers and passengers in goods vehicles undertaking deliveries or collections will only be exempt from the requirement to wear seat belts if distances between deliveries or collections are 50 metres or less.”
The former legislation was not well understood and many goods vehicle occupants assumed incorrectly that they were not required to wear seat belts, irrespective of the distance travelled. Although seat belt wearing in motor vehicles is at an ‘all time high’ of 95%, at least 25 of the 87 vehicle occupants who died in 2006 were not wearing seat belts. Forty three van or light goods vehicle occupants were killed or seriously injured in that year.
The Minister added: “There is no valid reason why the safety of delivery drivers and passengers should continue to be compromised through their failure to wear seat belts. Prescribing a distance of 50 metres between deliveries or collections after which a seat belt must be worn should enable those engaged in genuine ‘door to door’ deliveries or collections to benefit from the exception.”
Notes to Editors:
- The law already requires drivers and passengers to use seatbelts or child restraints provided in cars and goods vehicles.
- From 1 May 2008, only drivers and passenger in goods vehicles undertaking deliveries or collections that are 50 metres or less apart will be exempt from the requirement to wear seat belts.
- The new laws will affect those involved in milk or postal deliveries and the collection of refuse.
- The penalty in respect of a driver or child passenger under 14 years not wearing a seat belt is a fixed penalty fine of £60 and three penalty points awarded to the driver or if convicted in court a fine up to £500. If the passenger is 14 years or over the fixed penalty is £30 or if convicted in court, a fine up to £500. Later this year, fixed penalty fines are expected to be harmonised at £60 and carry three penalty points.
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