MOTORISTS across East Lancashire were today urged to belt up as a new road safety campaign got under way.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has joined forces with Lancashire Police to promote seatbelt use. A similar scheme is being run in the Pennine division, covering Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale.

The campaign was launched after research by Blackburn with Darwen Council revealed that 10 per cent of people don't wear seatbelts.

Parents will be specifically targeted in a bid to reduce the number of children injured in car accidents. Figures published by the authority revealed one in 10 youngsters under 13 don't wear rear seatbelts when in the car.

It is hoped the campaign will make an impact within Asian communities, where seatbelt use is particularly low.

A leaflet explaining the correct of use of seatbelts and who is responsible for them being worn has been published in several languages.

The law requires all children to wear an appropriate child restraint or seatbelt where they are available and the driver is liable to prosecution if they do not. The penalty for this is a fixed fine of £30, or if it goes to court, a maximum fine of £500.

Faryad Hussain from Blackburn with Darwen Council said many people were unsure of the law regarding carrying children in their cars.

He said: "It is hoped this new leaflet aims to raise awareness of the issue of passenger safety and the legislation regarding seatbelts.

"I hope everyone will take notice of the advice being offered, and think about the consequences of serious injury or death if they ignore these messages."

Sgt Stuart Isherwood, from Eastern Division, said: "People will wear seatbelts in the front of a car, but many don't feel its necessary to wear rear seatbelts, despite the fact back seat passengers not wearing a seatbelt or using a child restraint are three times as likely to suffer death or serious injur as passengers who do."

Insp Dave Shepherd, of Pennine Division said, "Community Officers will help to deliver the information into the community, and Road Safety Officers from councils like Blackburn with Darwen are available to visit community groups to give advice and help on seatbelt and child restraint use."

Last week, the council unveiled plans to send more road safety officers into schools to make children more aware of road dangers.