DRIVERS who do not wear seat belts are the focus of a police crackdown in Hampshire.

Hampshire Constabulary is taking part in a Europe-wide enforcement campaign to catch those who do not put on their seat belt while behind the wheel.

The campaign runs from today until the end of Sunday, September 14.

Sergeant Rob Heard, the force’s road safety officer, said: “It has been surprising how many people are still not wearing their seatbelts and not really understanding the risks they are putting themselves under.

“The devastating injuries or possible fatal injuries you can receive from not wearing a seat belt really should encourage everyone to belt up. It’s just not worth risking your life and the heartache your family will feel from your loss.”

He said that forgetting to wear the belt was the biggest excuse officers came across when they did a similar crackdown in March this year.

One van driver said he did not wear one because he did not want to ruin his tan.

It has been a legal requirement to wear a seat beat in a car since 1983. There are a few exceptions for drivers, including those who are reversing and those in a vehicle being used for police, fire and rescue services.