A CRACKDOWN is to be mounted to put the brake on people not wearing seat belts to mark the 20th anniversary of their compulsory introduction.

The new campaign is aimed at highlighting the dangers to drivers and passengers if they do not "belt up".

It was made compulsory for front seat passengers, and drivers, in the UK to wear seatbelts on January 31, 1983.

According to the law, drivers and passengers must wear a seat belt if one is fitted and the driver is liable to prosecution if a child under 14 years does not wear one. Children under three years travelling in the front of any vehicle must be carried in an appropriate child restraint and an adult belt must be used. If a child restraint is fitted in the front, but not in the rear, children under three must use that restraint.

There is a specific exemption from the seat belt wearing regulations on medical grounds.

If a traveller considers that they should not be wearing a restraint, they should consult a doctor and apply for a certificate of exemption.

In addition, the law states that drivers are not required to wear the seat belt when reversing.

Inspector Brian Wood, Road Safety Officer for GMP said: "Everyone knows they should wear a seat belt in the front seat, but many people don't realise how dangerous it is not to wear a seat belt in the back.

"In a crash at 30mph, if you are unrestrained, you will hit the front seat, and anyone in it, with a force of between 30 and 60 times your own body weight. Such an impact could result in death or serious injury to both yourself and front seat passengers.

"A passenger should never use one seat belt around both themselves and another passenger, as this is a highly dangerous practice.

"Think! Wear your seat belt and ensure that all your passengers are properly belted."

In 2001, 3,222 people were prosecuted by means of a non-endorsable fixed penalty for failing to wear a seatbelt, and during 2002, the figure rose to 8,108.