25 Years of Mandatory Belt Use in U.K.
Posted by: Paul in All Items, England, N. Ireland, Scotland, Traffic Laws, United Kingdom, WalesSilver Anniversaries are usually something to celebrate. Alas, that is not so in this case, since today marks the 25th anniversary of the first mandatory seat-belt use legislation in the United Kingdom.
It was January 31, 1983 that the law came into force across the nation requiring drivers and all front-seat passengers to use a belt, if fitted. The initial legislation was for a trial period of 3 years, becoming permanent in 1986. Laws requiring children under 14 to use belts in rear seats, then for all rear-seat occupants to buckle up where belts are available followed in 1989 and 1991 respectively.
Police and safety organizations today are still pressing for increased penalties against those who do not buckle up. Two takes on the 25th anniversary from the Daily Mail and the BBC.
