Police will be given powers to issue tickets to motorists who don?t wear seatbelts by next Friday, Transport Minister Dr. Ewart Brown said yesterday.

When the law forcing drivers to buckle up was introduced in January 1, an oversight in legislation restricted Police to only issue warnings rather than tickets, meaning motorists could escape punishment.

From Friday, February 27, Police will be able to issue tickets and magistrates will be able to fine motorists up to $2,100.

The fines will be handed out to drivers who don?t wear seatbelts or don?t put youngsters in infant seats.

To prevent any more mistakes in the future, any future transport legislation which gives Police enforcement powers will require the Commissioner of Police to sign off as well.

Dr. Brown said he plans to take the matter to Cabinet next Tuesday and have the legislation printed in the Official Gazette by Friday, February 27 and tabled in the House of Assembly that day.

The regulations will be passed by negative resolution, meaning there will be no debate and the changes take effect immediately.

Dr. Brown told : ?They will come into effect as soon as they are passed in the House.?