A Wilmslow Nub News Freedom of Information request has revealed how many people in our area were caught driving without seatbelts last month.

In a twenty day period, eight Wilmslow drivers were caught disregarding the safety of themselves and others, by not buckling up.

In total, Cheshire Police issued 180 Traffic Offence Reports (TORs) across our county, following a three-week operation targeting road users not wearing a seatbelt.

In alphabetical order, the unnamed offenders found driving without seatbelt protection were on the following roads:

• A34 Handforth Bypass
• Altrincham Road, Wilmslow (two offences)
• Knutsford Road, Wilmslow
• Manchester Road, Wilmslow
• Water Lane, Wilmslow
• Wilmslow Road, Wilmslow
• Wilmslow Road, Handforth

Cheshire Constabulary's Inspector for Serious and Complex Collision Investigation Unit, Steve Griffiths, said: "I have no doubt in my mind that road users know they need to wear a seatbelt, and the reasons why – it's common sense – but evidently there are still many drivers and passengers who fail to do so.

"Not wearing a seatbelt is one of the biggest killers on our roads. By not wearing one people are increasing their risk of death in a collision - why wouldn't you spend a few seconds putting one on?

"It is important everyone is aware of the huge risks and dangers that come from not wearing a seatbelt and I hope those road users who received Traffic Offence Reports will think about the consequences of their actions next time they get behind the wheel."

The operation, which ended last month, ran from 24 May to 13 June. Officers were out on the county's roads looking for anyone not wearing a seatbelt.

Wilmslow had one of the highest instances of non-seatbelt wearing in Cheshire, during the select 20 day period.

However, Wilmslow's neighbouring town Macclesfield saw much less with the amount of drivers who weren't strapped up, with 8 offenders.

John Dwyer, Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, said: "Ensuring Cheshire's roads are safer is one of my key priorities and during my term of office, I have ambitious plans to deliver initiatives that reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on our roads.

"Not wearing a seatbelt is incredibly dangerous and is one the main factors in serious or fatal collisions. I am concerned to see so many people across Cheshire still not wearing a seatbelt, even though the dangers of doing so are apparent. I am pleased that Cheshire Police carried out this enforcement activity to educate motorists and help make the county's roads safer."

The most dangerous road in Cheshire for road users not wearing seatbelts was Dunwoody Way in Crewe, with nine drivers spotted not belting up in the aforementioned period.

The second highest with eight was Chester Way, Northwich.

On average, 0.4 people were caught not wearing a seatbelt in Wilmslow, Alderley Edge, Styal and Handforth per day.

More than 280 people were seriously injured on Cheshire's roads in 2020 – that is more than five people per week. Sadly 29 people lost their lives.

With no more lockdowns and an easing of coronavirus restrictions, that number may unfortunately increase without action for 2021.

Wilmslow Nub News covers Handforth, Styal, Alderley Edge and Wilmslow.

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