Andy Burnham's government is weighing up a significant change to seatbelt laws that could see drivers and passengers slapped with three penalty points on their driving licence for failing to buckle up. The move, part of the Labour government's wider Road Safety Strategy, now rests on the shoulders of the new leader, who must decide the outcome of a public consultation launched earlier this year.
Consultation on seatbelt penalties
The consultation, initiated by former Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, posed a direct question to the public: should drivers and passengers who fail to wear a seatbelt—and drivers who fail to ensure children are suitably restrained—receive three penalty points on their licence? The consultation ran for three months until May, with a promise to feed back by mid-August.
Since 1991, wearing a seatbelt has been a legal requirement for drivers and passengers. Currently, the penalty for non-compliance is a fixed penalty notice of £100, or a maximum fine of £500 if the case goes to court. Importantly, failing to wear a seatbelt is not currently an endorsable offence, meaning it does not add penalty points to a driver's licence.
Why the change is being considered
The government argues that introducing penalty points could help reduce the number of car occupants killed in collisions each year. In the consultation document, they state: "The government accepts that such a change could go some way towards reducing the number of car occupants who are killed each year in collisions and that is why we are seeking the public's view." They propose that three penalty points should apply to all drivers who fail to wear a seatbelt or who fail to ensure any child in the vehicle wears an appropriate child restraint.
Modern vehicles often feature seatbelt warning lights on the dashboard, which alert the driver when a passenger or the driver themselves is not wearing a seatbelt. This technology could support enforcement of the new rule, making it easier to spot violations.
Burnham's first major decision
One of the first tasks for Andy Burnham's administration will be to report back on the consultation's findings. Burnham has already made one key decision: re-appointing Heidi Alexander to the Roads Minister brief. This signals that the Road Safety Strategy, including the seatbelt proposal, remains a priority for his government.
The outcome of the consultation could have wide-ranging implications for road safety in the UK. If implemented, the change would bring seatbelt offences in line with other motoring violations that carry penalty points, such as using a mobile phone while driving. It would also increase the financial impact on offenders, as penalty points often lead to higher insurance premiums.
What happens next
The government is expected to publish its response to the consultation by mid-August, which will fall to Burnham's team to deliver. The decision will shape the future of road safety enforcement and could set a precedent for other safety measures under consideration.
For now, drivers and passengers are advised to continue wearing seatbelts as required by law, while the government finalises its position. The introduction of penalty points would represent a tougher stance on seatbelt compliance, potentially saving lives but also increasing the consequences for those who flout the rules.
