Boosting awareness of child seat law
Parents of children across the Midlands are still ignoring new child car restraint laws that came into effect last September.
The changes, which could save up to 2,000 child casualties a year, mean that all children must use the correct car seats or boosters in cars, vans and other goods vehicles.
The Mercia Road Safety Officers Group – which comprises 14 Local Authorities across the Midlands including Warwickshire County Council – are focusing their latest road safety campaign at parents and carers to reinforce this important change in legislation.
As part of the campaign in Warwickshire, Road Safety Officers are sending out a new parents guide called In Safe Hands to nurseries and clinics, giving information about the change in legislation and includes a baby progress chart.
Stan Milewski, Chair of the Mercia Road Safety Officers Group and Senior Road Safety Officer at Warwickshire County Council, said: “Even though legislation changed last September, we are still seeing drivers transporting children either without the correct restraints, or in some cases no restraints at all. This is highly irresponsible behaviour.
“The change in law was necessary because too many children were being injured as car occupants. Everyone knows that seat belts save lives, but it’s also important to make sure that they fit in order to do the job properly.”
The changes in Law mean:
· All children under 3 years old must use the correct child seat when travelling an any car or goods vehicle (except in the rear of a taxi if a child seat is not available)
· Children aged 3 years and under 12 and over must use the correct child seat/booster/cushion when travelling in cars or goods vehicles until they reach 135cm.
· Taller children and all those aged 12 and over need to use adult belts
· Rear-facing baby seats must not be used in seats with an active frontal air-bag
The penalty for not using a seat belt or child restraint is a £30 fixed penalty notice or a maximum fine of £500 if a case goes to court.
For copies of the parents guide In Safe Hands, call Annabel Matharu on 01926 412253.