Ayrshire drivers need to think about their pets safety before starting any journey with them in the car.

Motorists risk driving fines of up to £5,000 for not prioritising their pet’s safety before setting off, new research finds.

More than a third (36 percent) of drivers who own and travel with their pet admit to previously driving without properly restraining them. That’s according to new research by Confused.com.

With the pandemic restrictions now eased and the warmer weather starting to show itself the likelihood of family holidays and weekends or days away with all the family rises. But pet owners are being urged to think about road safety as it’s revealed that motorists aren’t always following the law around restraints.

With many people buying pets during the pandemic, it’s no surprise that more than 1 in 7 (14 per cent ) drivers plan to get away with their pets this year, with more than 2 in 5 (41 per cent) travelling with their pet for the first time.

With potentially long journeys ahead for both, there are huge concerns as the data gathered by Confused.com shows that safety rulings are not always followed. That’s despite 7 in 10motorists knowing that it’s illegal to travel without appropriate pet restraints.

Some methods of this are a pet seatbelt, a cage or carrier or a safety guard in the boot of your car.