Officers from Ryedale Road Policing Group carried out a number of safety checks on vehicles over the weekend and were alarmed at the number of people not wearing seat belts.

The checks took place last Saturday and Sunday (21-22 June) in Kirkbymoorside and on the A64 near Malton.

48 fixed penalty notices were issued to drivers, including 16 for seat belt offences, nine for illegal tinted windows, five for speeding and 15 various other offences including one driver who was fined for dangerous use of a vehicle when two passengers were found under a duvet in the back of a tranist van.

In addition, two drivers were found to be using illegal red diesel and were each fined £605 by Customs and Excise.

Sergeant Neil Campbell who led the operation, said: “I am shocked at the number of people still willing to risk death or serious injury by not using a seat belt. Their use has been for compulsory for several years now and there is no excuse for not using one. Even a minor collision at low speed can result in death if are not wearing a restraint. Not only is it dangerous, it can also be expensive, with a maximum fine of £500.

“The use of tinted film on vehicle’s windows also gives us cause for concern. It restricts the drivers vision and puts vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists at extreme risk, particularly at night.

“These safety operations will continue with one thing in mind - to reduce casualties on our roads. The arrogant minority who believe they are above the law should be warned that we will come down hard on them if they continue to risk lives.”

The safety checks form part of the force’s current road safety campaign, Operation Anvil, supported by the “95 Alive” York and North Yorkshire Road Safety Partnership.