POLICE in Nelson caught 27 motorists driving without wearing a seatbelt in just two hours yesterday.

Neighbourhood officers said they handed out 27 on-the-spot fines to motorists they stopped in Manchester Road.

And one vehicle - a black Audi A6 saloon - was seized because the driver did not have a valid insurance policy.

The sting was part of Operation Pathway, a county-wide initiative designed to address concerns about road safety and reduce the carnage caused by careless or irresponsible driving.

Sergeant Damian Pemberton, of Nelson Police, hailed the latest scheme a success.

He said: “This operation highlighted that people are still not complying with the law.

“Nelson Police has run initiatives of late which aim to educate drivers in relation to the law and dangers of driving without wearing a seatbelt, but sometimes a firmer approach to combat the problem is needed."

Last year the Lancashire Telegraph launched the ‘Love Your Kids? Belt Them In!’ campaign to educate youngsters and their parents about the importance of belting up, while encouraging passengers and drivers to wear seatbelts however long, or short, a journey.

Police have vowed to continue to target motorists who continue to break the law.

Sgt Pemberton said: "Driving without wearing a seatbelt is not only illegal but extremely dangerous.

"Further operations will take place in the future as part of ongoing efforts to crack down on the problems.”