A police commissioner is backing a campaign to encourage motorists and passengers to wear their life-saving seatbelts.

Sir Graham Bright, Cambridgeshire’s police and crime commissioner, is urging motorists to belt up after European Union research was released showing that 50 per cent of people who die in road accidents could have survived if wearing a seatbelt.

“Road safety is one of the biggest concerns the public raises with me,” said Sir Graham.

“The chance of serious injury is greatly increased if you are not wearing a seatbelt and can have long term consequences for both the injured as well as their families. So please belt up and make sure those in the car with you do likewise.”

Throughout September, Cambridgeshire police will be targeting those who don’t wear seatbelts on county roads and raising awareness of the dangers of not belting up. Those caught not wearing a belt can be fined up to £500.