Rishi Sunak appeared not to be wearing a seatbelt as he filmed a social media clip in the back of a moving car this morning.
The Instagram video was supposed to promote his Levelling Up tour across Britain but has rather detracted attention from it after viewers quickly pointed out that the Prime Minister seemed to have forgotten to fasten the safety belt.
The law states that car users must wear a seatbelt if one is fitted in their seat, with only a few exceptions.
A fine of up to £500 can be issued if someone does not wear a seatbelt.
Rishi Sunak used the social media clip to promote his ‘Levelling Up’ tour. But viewers quickly spotted that the PM appeared not to be wearing a safety belt
None of the exceptions listed on the Government’s website appear to apply to Mr Sunak’s car journey.
For example, he was not a driver reversing, or in a vehicle used for police or fire and rescue services, driving a goods vehicle on deliveries, or a licensed taxi driver.
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There is also an exemption for medical reasons, with those who qualify required to carry a doctor’s certificate with them while travelling.
Mr Sunak flew to Blackpool this morning before visiting Accrington and Morecambe, although it is unclear at what point in his journey he filmed the social media clip.
At one point in his Instagram video, police outriders on motorbikes can be seen through Mr Sunak’s passenger window.
The PM used the clip to encourage users to follow his progress on his trip to northern England as he went ‘out and about seeing Levelling Up in action’.
He promoted the Government’s announcement of more than £2billion in funding for projects across 100 different local communities around the UK.
The PM’s official spokesman did not immediately provide a comment when asked why Mr Sunak appeared not to be wearing a seat belt.
‘I haven’t seen that specific video,’ they said.
