Wearing seatbelts on coaches.
 

I've only recently learned that it is the law (in the UK) that passengers on coaches (fitted with seatbelts) must wear them.
Has anyone heard about any prosecutions?
What responsibility rests with the driver?
(I believe that the driver of a private vehicle can be held responsible if passengers do not wear them.)
Our local bus company uses coaches on stage work. All are fitted with seatbelts. I've never seen any passenger wearing them. There are (small) signs for each seat (but no audible announcement).
So what's the situation?


(I've done some searching and some of my claims might be incorrect.)

This is from 2007 and there may be more up to date info somewhere -

Under government regulations, coach operators have to notify passengers to use the belts, though it is the duty of individual passengers aged over 14 - and not drivers or operators - to ensure they use them.

This link covers cars, mini-bus and coaches -

http://www.desktoplawyer.co.uk/dt/br...5993&aid=35274

In Australia, the law stipulates that if a coach is fitted with seatbelts, whether lap or lap-sash, they must be worn at all times while in the seat with the vehicle in motion. If the police pull the driver over and there are people not wearing their seatbelts, it is a A$200 fine per person - that was back in 2003 and may not be current! Recently went to Sydney on a seatbelt equipped coach - I made sure I had my belt on when the coach was moving!

Joe