Child car seats
Current legislation
New regulations governing the use of child car seats came into force in September 2006. Correct child restraints must now be used until children reach 1.35 metres in height (approx. 4ft 5ins) or 12 years of age.
Child car seat free checking service
The most recent took place on 12 June in the Brent Cross car park (Near Hendon, London NW4). Road Safety Officers checked child car seats to ensure they are fitted correctly, free of charge.
At the child car seat checking back in March 2007, the following was noted:
- Observation #1: 72% of all the child car seats checked were loosely fitted and required tightening at the seat belt.
- Recommendation: When fitting the child car seat push all your weight into it as you tighten the belt.
- Observation #2: 48% of the child car seats checked had an integral harness that had not been adjusted.
- Recommendation: You should just be able to fit only one or two fingers between the child’s chest and harness.
- Observation #3: 56% of the cars checked had loose items inside.
- Recommendation: Loose items should be secured away in the glove compartment or enclosed boot of a car. In an accident loose items continue travelling at speed and can cause injury.
Children, young people and families
