Police are asking members of the public to belt-up as part of a week-long enforcement campaign.

Officers will be targeting those who don’t wear seatbelts and raising awareness of the dangers of not belting up.

Sergeant Ian Manley, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire (BCH) road policing unit, said: “Often wearing a seatbelt can be the difference between life and death for passengers that are involved in a collision.

“Whether you’re the driver of the vehicle or passenger, the message is the same – buckle up.

“Our message is clear protect yourself and those travelling in your vehicle by ensuring everyone belts up every time.”

Those caught not wearing a seatbelt can face a fine of up to £500.

In 2016 1,788 people received a ticket for failing wear a seatbelt across the three counties:

• 604 - Cambridgeshire

• 536 - Bedfordshire

• 648 - Hertfordshire.

Matt Staton, from the Cambridgeshire Road Safety Partnership, said: “More than 95% of drivers and 90% of passengers wear a seatbelt but it only takes one person in a vehicle not wearing a seatbelt to have devastating effects in the event of a crash.

“We are very pleased to support this enforcement campaign to reinforce the importance of wearing a seatbelt and would urge everyone to wear their seatbelt on every trip.”