40 years of UK seatbelt wearing saves thousands of lives

1 August 2021

40 years ago, history was made when the UK Parliament passed legislation to make seatbelt wearing compulsory where fitted in the front of cars.

It was opposed by the Conservative Government and the Labour Official Opposition but, late in the evening of 28th July 1981, after 13 failed attempts by backbenchers in both Houses, a House of Lords amendment by Lord Nugent of Guildford, succeeded in the Commons. It was the result of years of campaigning by medical and safety organisations.

The campaign led to the formation of the Parliament Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS) in 1982 under the Chairmanship of Barry Sheerman MP. He was instrumental in moving the amendment to ensure that seatbelt wearing became a legal obligation.