MOTORISTS up and down Oxfordshire are being stopped for seatbelt checks as part of a nationwide campain.

Police officers were seen flagging down the drivers of a car and a van earlier today at around 1.30pm on the corner of Botley Road and Abbey Road in Oxford to check they are following the law.

Thames Valley Police is taking part in the national campaign to ensure more drivers and passengers belt up while on the roads.

In the past five years, 46 drivers and nine passengers have died as a result of not wearing one across Thames Valley and Hampshire.

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PC Liz Johnson, Road Safety Officer for Thames Valley Police and Hampshire Constabulary, commented on the campaign, which will run until July 12.

She said: "The vast majority of people are wearing their seat belts, and have an appropriate child seat.

"However, there are still a few people who decide to take the risk and travel in a vehicle without wearing a seat belt.  

"You are twice as likely to die in a collision if you are not wearing a seat belt and, in the event of a collision, if unrestrained, you will hit the windscreen, or the seat in front of you at a force of 30 to 60 times your own body weight."