Norfolk and Suffolk police have launched a week long clampdown on drivers and passengers who do not wear seatbelts in vehicles on the two counties's roads.

The Belt Up and Save Lives campaign started yesterday and lasts until the weekend

Officers from both forces's road policing units will be conducting checks on motorists and their passengers.

Anyone found not wearing a seatbelt will be issued with a fixed penalty notice of �30.

Last year in Norfolk five drivers and passengers died after not wearing seatbelts.

Insp David Ball, of the Norfolk police road policing unit, said: 'Norfolk's road users will normally belt up for any journey but I want to remind those people who consider breaking this law that it is not only putting their own lives at risk but anyone else travelling with them.

'Putting on your seatbelt should be part of your routine before even starting your car and it is absolutely necessary for those travelling in the front and rear seats to belt up and save lives.'

In Suffolk four people lost their lives last year after not wearing seatbelts.

Insp Bruce Gent, of the county's road policing unit, said: 'We would remind people that even on the shortest trips and at low speeds the importance of seatbelts cannot be underestimated.

'Failing to wear a seatbelt remains one of the main cause factors of fatal and serious injury collisions.'

The clampdown is in support of a week long Europe-wide traffic information system police seatbelt campaign.

Drivers are responsible for ensuring all passengers aged under 14 have a seatbelt or a child restraint.