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Wrongly accused of not wearing a seatbelt!

In early May my wife was driving our Audi Allroad past a mobile speed camera in Newcastle upon Tyne. Within a week she received two NIPs: one for driving at 36mph in a 30mph limit and one for the 'Alleged Offence’ of not wearing a seatbelt. The fact is, she was wearing a seat belt and wrote back to Northumbria Police and told them so. In response, she received three very poor photographs. These clearly identified the car, but not the occupant. My wife wrote back and again pointed out she was wearing a seatbelt which has an adjustable height facility to snugly fit over the shoulder, and she was wearing a black coat. On 9th July she received a reply saying no further action will be taken. Drivers should be aware of the colour of their clothing, car interior and position of the seat belt.

Asked on 15 September 2012 by GB, Kirkwhelpington, Newcastle upon Tyne

Answered by Honest John
I'm very pleased that the police sensibly accepted your explanation. But it would be crazy if we had to wrap our seatbelts in 'hi viz' just so that partially-sighted cops could see we were wearing them.
Tags: seatbelts nip
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