With just under a week to go until the new child car seat laws come into force parents in Buckinghamshire are being urged to make sure that they are familiar with the changes. The changes are expected to save up to 2000 child casualties per year. The new law comes into force on Monday 18 September and will require drivers to ensure that all children under 135cms (4' 5") or age 12, whichever they reach first, use an appropriate car restraint when travelling in their vehicle.
Road Safety Minister Stephen Ladyman said: "I would urge all parents to check that they are using appropriate child seats or booster seats. Using the right seat for the size of the child will give parents peace of mind and help to ensure that children are as safe as possible in the vehicle at all times.
"Most people do use some kind of child restraint but it is very important to use the right one for the size of the child and to take the time to fit it properly; and not to use an adult belt before the child is big enough."
Parents can get expert child car seat safety advice from in store experts at a number of retailers. Halfords, Mothercare and Toys R Us, and other stores have been supporting the DfT's THINK! road safety campaign and the change in the law by providing special offers on car seats and booster seats from July to September 2006.
Safety advice events are being held at retailers across Buckinghamshire and will have experts on hand to help parents ensure car seats and boosters are properly fitted and advise on the most appropriate car restraints for children in line with the new legislation.
Valerie Letheren, Portfolio Holder for Transportation, Buckinghamshire County Council said, "The Road Safety Team has been promoting the new law throughout the summer and will continue to raise awareness of these important and responsible changes. It's important for drivers to ensure that children are travelling in the right child car seat for their height." Parents unsure whether their children must use a child restraint should consider the following:
*Check the height of your child. Children up to 135cm in height (and under 12 years old), need to use a child seat, booster seat or booster cushion suitable for their weight.
*Before you buy or use any child restraint, check the label to make sure it is suitable for the child's weight.
*Check that any restraint is securely fitted. If your child travels in more than one vehicle, check the car seat or restraint fits each car so it can be moved between them each time they travel.
*Get expert advice. Many retailers have trained in-store experts who can advise on the best kind of car seat for a child and can demonstrate how to fit it.
*Penalties for offenders remain at a £30 fixed penalty notice or a maximum fine of £500 if a case goes to court.
For more information, parents can visit the link below or call our helpline for a leaflet 0800 32 72 52.
Related Linkswww.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk
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