Camera Vans Target Seatbelt Offences For First Time

Safety speed camera vans across Harborough are being used to catch drivers and passengers not wearing seatbelts for the first time.

The initiative is part of a new road safety pilot scheme by the following an increase in casualties from road crashes across Leicestershire.

Warning letters will be issued initially, rather than fines, to highlight the importance of wearing a seatbelt.

The initiative is part of a new road safety pilot scheme

30 people lost their lives on the county’s roads during the first eight months of 2026, compared with 20 during the same period last year.

Matthew Chester is road safety manager at Leicestershire Police:

The week-long seatbelt monitoring exercise will help police assess whether the technology should become a permanent part of their road safety enforcement strategy.

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service are supporting the move and Watch Manager Kate Garagan also spoke to HFM about why the fire service is supporting the campaign:

The pilot marks the first time the vans have been used to identify people travelling without seatbelts. Authorities are urging drivers and passengers to buckle up on every journey.