By Richard Guttridge

Copyright birminghammail

The Government is planning tougher penalties for drivers who ignore an important safety rule. It’s part of a range of measures designed to improve road safety in the UK. Drivers will face three points on their licence and fines for not wearing a seatbelt, with ministers determined to clamp down on the issue which is among top contributing factors in road deaths. READ MORE: All 6 Birmingham roads where new speed cameras are being switched on POLL: Do you support a ban on pavement parking? Currently offenders don’t receive penalty points. There could also be penalties if passengers are not belted up. It forms part of a new road safety strategy being drawn up by the Government which also includes cutting the drink-driving limit and possible eyesight tests for older drivers. Refusal to wear seatbelts is among the most concerning issues on the roads, along with mobile phone use and drink and drug-driving. Some motorists are known to fasten the belt but sit on top of it to stop car safety alerts sounding, with police chiefs astounded at the reckless actions which could put their lives at risk. Get all the latest motoring news sent to your inbox by signing up to our new newsletter here In the fight against these seatbelt offenders, roadside cameras are becoming more advanced, with some new ones using artificial intelligence to see inside cars and detect drivers not belted up. Rhydian Jones, motoring expert at Confused.com car insurance, said: “News reveals new laws coming in the autumn that will see drivers getting penalty points for passengers not wearing seatbelts. “Whilst many might wonder how they could be caught for this, it’s important to remember that AI speed cameras have been piloted around the country, and part of their technology can detect drivers and passengers not wearing seatbelts.” Want the latest headlines and breaking news emailed to your inbox? Sign up here, it’s free