Motorists caught flouting seatbelt laws had a lucky escape recently when police decided to let then off an £80 fine if they watched a safety film instead.
The ‘options’ day, as labelled by Gwent Police, took place during the recent two-week National Seatbelt Campaign.
Drivers and passengers caught not wearing a seatbelt in Abercarn and Risca had the chance to avoid the fine and prosecution by watching a 30-minute hard-hitting safety film.
Gwent Police worked alongside South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Capita Symonds Road Safety to encourage people to wear their seatbelts.
Officers from the Roads Policing Unit and Neighbourhood Policing Officers patrolled the area looking out for motorists and their passengers not wearing seatbelts.
Those who were found to be breaking the law were pulled over and given the option of attending Abercarn Fire Station to view a 30-minute seatbelt safety presentation instead of receiving a fixed penalty fine of £80.
The presentation included graphic DVD footage of what happens to an unbelted person during a crash.
In total, 22 drivers and passengers not wearing seatbelts were stopped. All of them attended Abercarn Fire Station to watch the presentation.
Sergeant Rob Davies, of Gwent Police, said: “The ‘Options’ approach allows people to take the opportunity to change their behaviour and to wear their seat belt.
“This educational approach is to compliment the all Wales Enforcement Campaign. Gwent Police use both approaches not because we want to be overly lenient on one hand or over zealous on the other, but because most importantly – both approaches saves lives.”
South Wales Fire Service Road Safety Manager, Richard Lever said: “A variety of people have come through these door today – our message is to make motorists think. Many drivers don’t think of the damage you can do to other whilst driving without a seatbelt or as a passenger. The presentation is a reminder of the dangers and an eye opener.”