Seat belt use is much higher among car drivers than van drivers

Currently goods vehicles users do not have to wear a seat belt when making local deliveries, but many believe they are exempt whatever the distance.

The law change means they must now wear a seatbelt unless it is for a trip of less than 50 metres.

Last year, tens of thousands of goods vehicles drivers across Scotland were charged with not wearing belts.

In Lothian and Borders, the figure was 5851, up more than 600 on the previous year.

In Grampian 2112 were caught and in Strathclyde 10,792 drivers failed to belt up.

Casualty numbers

Road traffic laws are reserved to the Westminster government.

The UK Department for Transport has estimated that 20 deaths and 240 serious casualties could be prevented each year if seat belt use among van drivers was brought up to the level seen in cars.

The rate of belt use in van is about 30% for drivers and 43% for passengers.

In cars the rate is about 93% for drivers and 94% for front seat passengers.