Ascension : Public Notice - Seat Belt Legislation
Submitted by The Islander (Ascension Island Government) 14.05.2009 (Article Archived on 28.05.2009)

The Island Council has advised the Governor to introduce seat belt legislation for Ascension Island.

The purpose of the proposed legislation is to improve road safety on Ascension Island.  The introduction of seat belt legislation would help reduce fatalities and injuries as a result of road traffic accidents. 

The effect of the proposed legislation is that four offences will be created as follows:

(1) an adult (aged 14 years and over) who drives or rides in a motor vehicle without wearing a seat belt – punishable by a fine up to £500;

(2) a person who drives a motor vehicle with a child (aged 13 and under) in the front who is not wearing a seat belt – punishable by a fine up to £500;

(3) a person who drives a motor vehicle (other than a bus) with a child in the front seat in a rear-facing child restraining device without deactivating the front air bag – punishable by a fine up to £500;

(4) a person who drives with a child in the rear of a motor vehicle who is not wearing a seat belt – punishable by a fine up to £500.

“Seat belt” is widely defined in the draft legislation to include any description of restraining device for a child.

Exemptions will apply as follows:

(1) Passengers in refuse or effluent vehicles in the execution of refuse or effluent duties on a journey between stops which does not exceed 50 metres;

(2) Drivers of vehicles while performing a manoeuvre which includes reversing;

(3) Persons engaged in official protection duties;

(4) Persons holding a valid certificate issued by a medical practitioner to the effect that it is inadvisable on medical grounds for him or her to wear a seat belt.

The draft seat belt legislation is attached.

Comments or requests for clarification are welcome and should be addressed to Crown Counsel on extension 6137.

Ross Denny

Administrator

11 May 2009