BBC apologises for ‘mistake’ after R4 Today presenter Amol Rajan failed to wear a seatbelt while being filmed in the back of a taxi for documentary
- BBC presenter Amol Rajan was filmed in the back of a taxi with no seatbelt
The BBC has apologised after presenter Amol Rajan was filmed in the back of a taxi not wearing a seatbelt during a documentary.
The Corporation’s media editor, who earns a reported £330,000 a year presenting a number of high-profile shows including Radio 4’s Today programme and University Challenge, failed to wear a belt while appearing in the programme How to Crack the Class Ceiling.
At around 11 minutes into the documentary, Mr Rajan can be seen being driven through what appears to be central London addressing the camera whilst not wearing a seatbelt.
It is illegal to not wear a seatbelt in a moving vehicle and carries a potential fine of up to £500.
BBC presenter Amol Rajan was filmed in the back of a taxi not wearing a seatbelt during a documentary
The law states that car users must wear a seatbelt if one is fitted in their seat, with only a few exceptions.
None of the exceptions listed on the Government’s website appear to apply to Mr Rajan’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. There is also an exemption for medical reasons, with those who qualify required to carry a doctor’s certificate with them while travelling.
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.’
Rishi Sunak was fined by Lancashire Police in January for failing to wear a seatbelt while filming a social media clip in the back of a moving car
It comes after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was fined by police for failing to wear a seatbelt in a video clip shared to social media.
Mr Sunak said he would pay the fine issued by Lancashire Police after the incident.
Downing Street said the Prime Minister had made a ‘brief error of judgment’ by removing the safety device.
MailOnline has approached Mr Rajan, the BBC and the Metropolitan Police for more information.
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