Rishi Sunak said he deeply regretted not wearing a seat belt last week as a passenger in a moving car.
On Friday, the Lancashire Constabulary announced it would fine the prime minister after he was found not wearing a seat belt in an Instagram video promoting funding level up during a visit to the county.
The police force did not disclose how much Mr Sunak was fined, but notices a fixed penalty for a seat belt failure is usually £100, rising to £500 if taken to court.
The Prime Minister agrees to pay fines and Downing Street issued an apology on his behalf.
Political news – latest: ‘Evidence’ Zahawi gave a TV interview is ‘not true’
Asked on Monday during a visit to Berrywood Hospital in Northampton if he would personally apologize for his actions, Mr Sunak said: “Yes, I’m sorry for not wearing a seat belt.”
Mr. Sunak was also asked if the public could trust him to follow the “law of the land”, to which he replied: “Of course I do (obey the law).
“In this case, I made a mistake that I deeply regret and that’s why I apologize immediately.”
Please use Chrome browser for more accessible video player
PM is in a car without a seat belt
This makes him the second serving prime minister – after Boris Johnson – was found to have violated the law while in office.
Mr. Sunak has was previously fined by the Metropolitan Police for violating lockdown rules. Last year he was caught up in the “partygate” scandal, being fined along with Mr Johnson for attending a gathering to mark the then Prime Minister’s 56th birthday.
Labor criticized Mr Sunak for not wearing a seat belt, calling him “full responsibility” and “unlucky”.
Liberal Democrats deputy leader Daisy Cooper said: “From party gates to seatbelt gates, these Conservative politicians just see the British people as fools.”
The Prime Minister was asked about the incident while visiting Berrywood Hospital in Northampton
Mr. Sunak’s position as prime minister has been plagued by controversy since he entered 10th place in October.
He is facing calls to sack Nadhim Zahawi as Tory party chairman after details of a multi-million pound tax dispute rise.
Mr Zahawi settled his tax affairs with HMRC while he was serving as prime minister, a government source told Sky News.
