Roads Policing Unit say ‘no one puts a baby on the front seat’ following routine vehicle stop

At just after 3pm yesterday (Tuesday 23 April), officers from Greater Manchester Police’s Roads Policing Unit were carrying out road safety checks outside of a school in the Whitefield area, when they stopped a vehicle.

The driver was found to have their baby, lay on the front passenger seat, unrestrained and in the backseat, there were other children present, also without seatbelts on.

Image taken from bodyworn video footage of officers routinely stopping the vehicle for checks

The driver was subsequently stopped by officers whilst a check on the baby was made. 

The driver was reported for the offence of carrying passengers in an unsafe manner, with urgent care referrals being made to both social services and schools.

Inspector Jamie Buchanan of GMP’s Specialist Operations, said: “We posted an image on social media yesterday which highlights the overarching mission of our roads policing officers; to work towards zero fatalities on our roads.

“Our officers do this by working with the public of Greater Manchester to highlight and educate on road safety issues, paying particular emphasis to re-enforce 'Fatal Four' offences.

“Make no mistake however - our officers show zero tolerance towards any individual found to be engaging in dangerous driving behaviour.

“The truly shocking detail with this incident is that the vehicle had a baby seat fitted in the rear of the car, where other older children were sat, also unrestrained. 

“We continue to tackle behaviours which puts vulnerable passengers and other road users at risk of death or serious injury and the majority of the law abiding public can rest assured that drivers such as this individual, can expect to be faced with the full force of the law.”