Police operation against failure to wear seat belts on Public Light Bus
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Police conducted a territory-wide operation to reinforce the wearing of seat belts on public light bus (PLB) yesterday (April 16). The operation aimed to encourage both drivers and passengers to protect themselves from injury.

The operation started in the early morning and ended at midnight yesterday and resulted in the issue of 70 verbal warnings and 150 summonses to PLB passengers; 6 Fixed Penalty Tickets were also issued to PLB drivers.

In the first three months of this year, there were a total of 249 traffic accidents involving PLBs, resulting in 357 casualties. A decrease of 14.1% and 21.4% respectively when compared with 290 traffic accidents and 454 casualties in the same period last year.

Police stress that it is the passengers' personal responsibility to ensure that they are securely fastened to their seats by means of a seat belt where one is fitted. A passenger who is found not to be wearing a seat belt on a PLB is subject to a maximum fine of $5,000 and three months' imprisonment.

Any PLB driver who fails to wear a seat belt is also liable to a fine of $5,000 and three months' imprisonment.

"The Force is committed to take proactive action to reduce deaths and injuries arising from traffic accidents. Education, publicity and enforcement will continue to be used to enhance road safety," a Police spokesman said.

Police Report No. 10
Ends/Friday, 17 April 2009