BBC apologises for seatbelt blunder after presenter filmed unbuckled in taxi
The BBC apologised for broadcasting scenes in which a Radio 4 presenter was filmed travelling a taxi without a seatbelt.
Radio 4’s Amol Rajan was filmed failing to wear a seatbelt while appearing in a documentary programme called How to Crack the Class Ceiling.
The media editor presents a number of high-profile shows including Radio 4's Today programme and University Challenge and is reported to earn £330,000 a year.
A short while into the show, Rajan was filmed being driven in a taxi through what appears to be central London.
He addresses the camera while not wearing a seatbelt – an offence which carries a potential fine of up to £500.
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Radio 4’s Amol Rajan was filmed failing to wear a seatbelt (BBC)Exemptions to the rule include being a driver reversing, in a vehicle used for police or fire and rescue services, driving a goods vehicle on deliveries, or a licensed taxi driver, but none appear to apply to the presenter.
In a short statement, the BBC apologised for the mistake, saying: “In the course of making this programme the presenter was filmed travelling by cab without using a seatbelt.
“This was a mistake for which we apologise. It is against the law not to use a seatbelt when one is available.”
Earlier this year, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was fined by police after he posted a video to his Instagram showing him not wearing a seatbelt while travelling in a moving car.
Amol presents a number of high-profile shows including Radio 4's Today programme and University Challenge (BBC)Downing Street said at the time the Prime Minister would pay the fine and “fully accepts this was a mistake and has apologised”.
They also said the PM had made a “brief error of judgement“ by removing his seatbelt as he recorded a video to promote levelling up funding as he visited Lancashire in January.
He became the second PM found to have broken the law in office after Boris Johnson was fined for Partygate.
It was also the second fixed penalty notice Mr Sunak has received in less than a year.
He was fined by police in April for attending a lockdown-busting gathering in No10 to celebrate Boris Johnson's 56th birthday when he was chancellor.
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