A total of 24 countries took part in the operation, which uncovered a total of 104,838 offences, of which 3,245 related to children not wearing seatbelts or other safety restraints.

Commenting on the results, TISPOL president Koen Ricour said: ‘The use of seatbelts is the single most effective method of reducing fatalities and serious injuries in motor vehicle collisions. That’s why our message is clear. Wearing a seatbelt is not a matter of choice. It is required by law in every European country because it could quite literally save your life in the event of an accident. Don’t take any chances. Use a seatbelt on every journey.’

Safety and security checks carried out at the same time also uncovered offences connected with irregular immigration and human trafficking (53), possession of drugs (241), firearms (34) and stolen goods (46), as well as 4,020 other crimes.