POLICE in South Ribble are targeting accident hot-spots to catch drivers who fail to fasten their seat belts.

The cost of accidents in the South Ribble division in 1998 was £47,173,790. There were 11 fatal, 178 serious, and 937 slight injuries in road accidents last year.

Local police believe that in this borough alone, 150 people will be driving without a seat belt during each hour of the day.

In response to the figures, police officers will be mounting roadside checks and aiming to educate drivers and passengers about the consequences of failing to wear a seat belt throughout April. Sergeant Chris Wild, of the road safety department, said: "Our aim is to reduce accident casualties in the division, by whatever means available.

"This offence is one which carries a £20 fixed penalty fine, which is a small amount, in comparison to what we are trying to prevent."

Traffic police will be patrolling the A59 at Penwortham; A6 from the A582 to Walton-le-Dale; B5254 from St Andrew's Way, Leyland, to Watkin Lane, Lostock Hall; B6258 Station Road, Bamber Bridge; and the A582 Penwortham Way.

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