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CHILD CAR SEATS - ADVICE TO PARENTS
Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service would like to remind all parents of the changes with regard to child car seat regulations. The new regulations, which came into force in September 2006, could help prevent 2,000 child deaths or injuries every year.
According to research carried out by Churchill Car Insurance, 23% of parents with children aged three to 12 do not use seats at all; 10% of parents mistakenly think children do not need a child car seat once they are eight and 70% of parents did not replace their baby or child seat following a car crash.
The new law
The new law states:
- Children under three years of age MUST use the child restraint appropriate for their weight in any vehicle (including vans and other goods vehicles). There is only one exception:-
- A child under three may travel unrestrained in a taxi if the correct child restraint is not available.
- Rear-facing baby seats MUST NOT be used in a seat protected by a frontal air-bag unless the air-bag has been deactivated manually or automatically.
- In vehicles where seat belts are fitted, children 3 years to 135 cm in height (approx 4ft 5ins) MUST use the appropriate child restraint.
- Three exceptions allow these children to travel in the rear and use an adult seat belt:-
- In a taxi, if the correct child restraint is not available.
- For a short distance in an unexpected necessity if the correct child restraint is not available.
- Where two occupied child seats in the rear prevent the fitment of a third child seat.
- Children aged 12 or 13 or over 135 cm in height MUST wear a seat belt if fitted.
- It is the responsibility of the driver to ensure that any children travelling in their car are using the correct restraint.
- If parents do not use a child restraint, they face a £30 fixed penalty notice or a maximum of £500 if the case goes to court.
More Information
The following document contains more information
Car Seat Safety (PDF 550kb)
Or go along to a high street retailer like Halfords for more information
Check out the "Good Egg Guide" for Child Car Safety (opens in new window)
