Child car seats
Legislation
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
Road Safety Officers regularly run a checking service at various locations around the borough. Keep an eye out for posters in libraries, clinics and GP surgeries promoting them throughout the year. We will also post details, on this web page, one month before a session is due to take place.
At a recent child car seat checking session, 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.
For further information on choosing, fitting and using child car seats visit: www.childcarseats.org.uk (external)
Children, young people and families
Email this pageLast modified by: Mike Godleman on 09/02/2009