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Euro move could make Post's dream a reality

A change in the law which would force passengers in coaches and minibuses to wear the seatbelts provided could be passed two years ahead of schedule – thanks to a campaign by the Nottingham Evening Post.

The paper’s Buckle Up initiative has been such a success that legislation may be implemented in the UK as early as the end of 2003.

East Midlands Euro-MP Phillip Whitehead will make a presentation of the Post’s campaign to other members of the European Parliament in September.

He will also be pushing the UK Government to convert the directive into law as quickly as possible after it has been passed.

He said: “I will be fighting hard to make sure the Government acts as soon as this is passed in the European Parliament.

“I want the UK to be the first country to introduce it. If all goes to plan, it could be law here by the end of 2003.

“I will be letting the Parliament see the Post’s campaign on this issue.

“I think the campaign has been the sharpest point of focus for the need for this legislation to be introduced in the UK.”

The campaign was launched by the Post after it reported how a city pensioner died in a coach crash on the M40. She had not been wearing the seatbelt fitted.

The MEP added: “It has been an admirable and well-researched campaign which highlights the tragic case of Mavis Whyman and puts in very real, human terms the need for this legislation to be implemented quickly.

“I have already spoken to members about the campaign since its launch to explain this to them.

“And during the debate on seatbelts I will be standing up in the chamber and explaining what the Post has done which will make all the member states in Europe aware of the newspaper’s efforts.”

John Berry, head of road safety for the European Commission, said: “The Post has produced a concise campaign to raise awareness and lobby for change.

“This campaign and others have definitely hit home to civil servants the importance of making this law as quickly as possible to save lives.”

Evening Post reporter, Simon Redfern, said: “We have spoken to Mr Berry who has been formulating the legislation and he has been very keen to bring it in. We are both crusading for the same cause.

“We have been backed by campaign groups locally including bus services, the police and the fire service.

“The Post will really be nailing this campaign over the next year, trying to get the Government to bring it in as soon as possible.”

  • It is thought about 75 per cent of the 200 deaths on Europe’s roads in coaches and minibuses each year could be saved if seatbelts were worn.

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