ALMOST 60 per cent of the drivers caught not wearing a seatbelt in West Yorkshire last year were stopped in Bradford.

West Yorkshire Police revealed the figures as it gave its support to the Europe-wide campaign on seatbelt enforcement, which starts today and runs throughout this week.

In 2016, West Yorkshire Police issued 4,835 tickets to drivers they spotted not wearing a seatbelt.

Of those, 2,823 were caught in Bradford district.

Of the drivers caught in the district, 83 per cent (2,349) were stopped by officers involved in Operation Steerside, the police crackdown on dangerous driving in Bradford.

The week-long seatbelt enforcement campaign, led by the European Traffic Police Network, is being used by West Yorkshire Police to raise awareness about the dangers of not wearing a seatbelt.

Sergeant James Farrar, of the Safer Roads and Neighbourhood Support Team East, said; “It seems like the most natural thing to most people, when you get in a vehicle to put on your seat belt but there are still people who don’t.

"We see people every day driving around West Yorkshire not wearing a seat belt.

"In some cases, these people also aren’t buckling up their children too which is a huge cause for concern.

“If you are in a collision you are twice as likely to die if you are not wearing your seat belt.

"Often people not wearing a seatbelt could be thrown from a vehicle during a collision and receive serious or fatal injuries.”

He added: “Our advice is clear. When you get in a vehicle, make sure you and any passengers are wearing your seat belt.

"Quite simply, it could save your life.”

Sgt Cameron Buchan, who leads Operation Steerside, said: “Not wearing your seat belt is unsafe, illegal, and could have catastrophic consequences if you’re involved in a collision.

"Eighty three per cent of the seat belt offences recorded in Bradford in 2016 were through Operation Steerside, emphasising our continued commitment and dedication to the communities of Bradford.

“We want to keep everyone who uses the roads safe and will continue to enforce this life-saving law.

"Wearing your seatbelt really could make all the difference.”