Road safety checks in Oxford yesterday saw more than 140 drivers stopped for various offences.

The checks, carried out by officers from across the Thames Valley Police area, were the start of the TISPOL (European Roads Policing Network) seatbelt enforcement week.

Police said further checks would take place in other areas covered by the force during this week.

A two-and-a-half hour check in London Road, Headington in the morning, followed by a three-and-a-half hour check in Sunderland Avenue, North Oxford, saw a total of 105 drivers stopped for failing to wear a seatbelt. The fixed penalty fine for this offence is £30.

In addition, 22 drivers were stopped for using a mobile phone while driving, and were given fixed penalties (£60 and three penalty points), with the option of having the fixed penalty rescinded if they attend a seminar later this week.

Additionally, 12 drivers were stopped for the level of tinting on their windows (either a fine of £30 or £60 plus three points, depending on the amount of tint), one person was given a fixed penalty for possession of cannabis, and one was fined £200, given a six-point endorsement on their licence and had their vehicle seized for a driving licence offence.

Oxfordshire Road Safety Constable Mark Pilling said: “It is disappointing that drivers are still slow to get the message about wearing seatbelts. It takes a second to put a seatbelt on, and it could save your life.”