BELT up or face up to a £500 fine.

That is the message from Hampshire police as it backs a national campaign to make sure drivers and passengers wear seatbelts.

This week officers from the Joint Roads Policing Unit will crackdown on those not complying.

The law states that drivers are responsible for ensuring suitable safety restraints are worn by all passengers under 14. The penalty for being caught not wearing a seatbelt is an on-the-spot £100 fine or, if prosecuted, up to £500.

They are also highlighting seatbelt awareness and informing drivers of the risks associated with not wearing one during a week of enforcement.

Sergeant Rob Heard said: “It’s just not worth the risk.”

Did you know?

• You’re twice as likely to die in a crash if you don't wear a seatbelt.

• Drivers & passengers aged 17-34 have the lowest seatbelt-wearing rates combined with the highest accident rate.

• There is evidence that people are less likely to use seatbelts on short or familiar journeys - this puts them at serious risk of injury in a crash.

• The proportion of car drivers observed wearing seatbelts is approximately at 95%.

• 96% of the offences were detected in the front of the vehicle

• 4% detected in the rear of the vehicle.

• 82% of the offenders were male.

• 98% of offenders were adults

• 2% of offenders were children (not in a child booster seat/or in an incorrect one).

• 80% of the offences were committed in cars.

• 98% penalties were given during this operation with 2% verbal warnings.