BBC apologizes for ‘mistake’ after R4 Today presenter Amol Rajan failed to wear a seatbelt while being filmed in the back of a taxi for a documentary.
- BBC presenter Amol Rajan was filmed in the back of a taxi without a seatbelt.
The BBC has apologized 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 £330,000 a year presenting a number of high-profile shows including Radio 4’s Today show and University Challenge, did not wear a belt while appearing on How to Crack the Class Ceiling .
At approximately 11 minutes into the documentary, Mr. Rajan can be seen being led through what appears to be central. London addressing the camera without wearing a seatbelt.
It is illegal not to 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 seat belt if they have one 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 backing up, or in a vehicle used for police or fire and rescue services, driving a freight vehicle on deliveries, or a licensed taxi driver. There is also an exemption for medical reasons, and those who qualify must carry a medical certificate with them while traveling.
In a short statement, the BBC apologized for the ‘mistake’, saying: ‘In the course of making this programme, the presenter was filmed riding in a taxi without wearing a seatbelt.
‘This was a mistake for which we apologize. It is against the law not to wear 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 not wearing a seatbelt.
Sunak said he would pay the fine issued by Lancashire Police after he was filmed without a belt during a clip on social media.
Downing Street said the prime minister had made a “slight error of judgement” in removing the security feature.
MailOnline has approached Mr Rajan, the BBC and the Metropolitan Police for more information.