POLICE caught more than 100 motorists flouting the law during a Suffolk-wide seatbelt clampdown.

They issued 102 fixed penalty notices - which includes a minimum �60 fine - over a seven-day period, a 9.8 per cent hike on figures for a similar campaign last year.

The overwhelming majority of those pulled over were for adults not wearing restraints: only one notice was issued for a child not wearing a seatbelt.

Chief Inspector Adrian Dawson, of Suffolk Police’s roads policing unit, said: “Unfortunately we are still finding people who are knowingly putting their lives at risk.

“It is such a simple task that should be part of the routine before starting up a vehicle.

“It is disappointing that so many fixed penalty notices had to be handed out but we will continue to crackdown on those who fail to put on their seatbelt.

“Even on short journeys or at low speeds the importance of wearing a seatbelt can not be underestimated, it can mean the difference between life and death.”

Police say failing to wear a seatbelt is a major cause of death or serious injury following an accident. They claim someone involved in a crash at just 30mph will be thrown forward with a force of between 30 and 60 times their body weight.

The week-long seatbelt campaign took place from Monday, September 13-19. A similar initiative in September 2009 saw 92 fixed penalty notices issued.