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19/07/2006
New laws on child seatbelts to be introduced
New laws are to be introduced in Northern Ireland which will ensure compulsory use of safety restraints for children and babies in cars.
From September this year, the new law will require that children under three must always be carried in a baby or child seat that is appropriate to their weight and size. Children between the ages of 3-11 and under 135cm in height must travel in a booster seat, and children beyond the age of 12, or over the height of 135cm must use an adult seatbelt.
Drivers will be legally responsible for ensuring that children under 14 are belted in.
Environment Minister David Cairns said that the new laws were aimed at ensuring children could travel safely in Northern Ireland.
"I am concerned that one in ten children under 14 travel in the backs of cars without being safely belted in," Mr Cairns said.
"Most parents put very small children in baby seats; but as the children get older some parents use adult seat belts which are not suitable - and some forget all together. This is putting children's lives at risk."
The new laws will also affect bus passengers aged 14 and over, who will be required to use seatbelts where fitted, with legislation under consultation on how the law will be extended to bus passengers below the age of 14.
(CL)
From September this year, the new law will require that children under three must always be carried in a baby or child seat that is appropriate to their weight and size. Children between the ages of 3-11 and under 135cm in height must travel in a booster seat, and children beyond the age of 12, or over the height of 135cm must use an adult seatbelt.
Drivers will be legally responsible for ensuring that children under 14 are belted in.
Environment Minister David Cairns said that the new laws were aimed at ensuring children could travel safely in Northern Ireland.
"I am concerned that one in ten children under 14 travel in the backs of cars without being safely belted in," Mr Cairns said.
"Most parents put very small children in baby seats; but as the children get older some parents use adult seat belts which are not suitable - and some forget all together. This is putting children's lives at risk."
The new laws will also affect bus passengers aged 14 and over, who will be required to use seatbelts where fitted, with legislation under consultation on how the law will be extended to bus passengers below the age of 14.
(CL)
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