Fines for drivers caught without seatbelts are set to double to £60 from today (Tuesday June 30) under new government plans backed by Essex police.

Essex Police say they are backing the increase which is part of a road safety crackdown by the Home Office.

Drivers found without belts anywhere on the District's roads will face a £60 fine, instead of the usual £30 on the spot charge.

The shakeup in plans was announced after a government consultation found that 14 percent of drivers still don't wear seatbelts- even though they have been proved to reduce the risk of dying in a 30mph crash by 60 percent.

A spokesman for Essex police said: "Essex Police is issuing this statement to encourage drivers to comply with the regulations rather than incur the raised penalty."

Home Office Minister Alan Campbell said: "We need to go further to make it clear to those who do not obey the rules that they are not only risking their lives but others too."

"By increasing the fixed penalty, we are sending a clear message to motorists that we will crack down on them if they are caught failing to take this vital safety precaution. This is not about taking money from motorists, it’s about doing all we can to keep the public safe on our roads."