HUNDREDS of Bathurst drivers are still failing to "click clack" when they get behind the wheel, with the number of seatbelt offences more than tripling in the past 12 months.
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The most recent data published online by the NSW Office of State Revenue (OSR) shows officers attached to Chifley Highway Patrol issued, on average, more than one seatbelt fine every day for the 10 months from July 2018 to April 2019.
In that time they issued a total of 323 fines for failing to wear a seatbelt.
That's already three times the 108 fines issued for the whole 2017-2018 financial year, with two months still to go this year.
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A summer holiday blitz on local roads saw police officers issue 99 fines in December and January alone, worth a total of $33,363.
October was also a busy month for highway patrol officers, when an influx of visitors for the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 saw 49 seatbelt offences issued.
The total value of fines written so far this financial year is $109,599 - easily the highest Chifley total since the OSR began publishing the figures in 2013-14.
These latest figures come as NSW Police wrap up their Operation Stay Alert over the Queen's Birthday long weekend.
The high-profile blitz saw another 38 seatbelt offences across the Western Region - stretching from Lithgow to Dubbo - and a total of 498 seatbelt fines issued statewide.
Traffic and Highway Patrol commander Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy urged all motorists to take extra care.
"It doesn't matter where you are travelling to - crashes do not discriminate," Assistant Commissioner Corboy said. "They can happen anywhere and at any time."
Month by month
- July: 21 fines, $7077
- August: 14, $4718
- September: 27, $9099
- October: 49,. $16,513
- November: 22, $7414
- December: 58, $19,546
- January: 41, $13,817
- February: 37, $12,469
- March: 24, $8088
- April: 30, $10,858
- Total: 323, $109,599
Source: www.revenue.nsw.gov.au
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