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18/09/2006
New laws on child car seats comes into force
New laws requiring more children to use child car restraints have come into force today.
Under the new legislation, children aged under 12 who also measure less than 135cm - 4ft 5in - will have to use the right child restraint when travelling in cars, vans and good vehicles.
Appropriate restraints include baby seats, child seats, high backed booster seats and booster cushions.
Parents face a £30 on-the-spot fine or £500 if the case goes to court, if they do not comply with the regulations.
It is estimated that the new regulations will save up to 2,000 child deaths and injuries every year.
Roads Minister Stephen Ladyman said: "I want children to be as safe as possible on our roads and I know that the vast majority of parents will do everything they can to make sure their children are adequately protected."
However, a survey by consumer group Which? found that almost a third of parents affected by the rule change did not understand what the new law meant for them, while a fifth did not even know that the law was changing.
Which? Senior researcher George Marshall-Thornhill said: "It's really worrying that so many parents we've spoken to don't understand what the new law means for them or what they need to do."
There are exceptional circumstance where the new law won't apply. These include 'emergency' (unplanned) journeys where an appropriate restraint isn't available or situations where two occupied child seats in the rear mean there's no room to fit a third child seat, but a third child needs to be taken in the back - in these cases, the adults seat belt should be used. Taxis are exempt from the rules.
(KMcA/SP)
Under the new legislation, children aged under 12 who also measure less than 135cm - 4ft 5in - will have to use the right child restraint when travelling in cars, vans and good vehicles.
Appropriate restraints include baby seats, child seats, high backed booster seats and booster cushions.
Parents face a £30 on-the-spot fine or £500 if the case goes to court, if they do not comply with the regulations.
It is estimated that the new regulations will save up to 2,000 child deaths and injuries every year.
Roads Minister Stephen Ladyman said: "I want children to be as safe as possible on our roads and I know that the vast majority of parents will do everything they can to make sure their children are adequately protected."
However, a survey by consumer group Which? found that almost a third of parents affected by the rule change did not understand what the new law meant for them, while a fifth did not even know that the law was changing.
Which? Senior researcher George Marshall-Thornhill said: "It's really worrying that so many parents we've spoken to don't understand what the new law means for them or what they need to do."
There are exceptional circumstance where the new law won't apply. These include 'emergency' (unplanned) journeys where an appropriate restraint isn't available or situations where two occupied child seats in the rear mean there's no room to fit a third child seat, but a third child needs to be taken in the back - in these cases, the adults seat belt should be used. Taxis are exempt from the rules.
(KMcA/SP)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A dry day with long spells of sunshine for most, however eastern coasts will see rather more in the way of cloud at times, with just the risk of an odd light morning shower. Mainly light northerly winds. Maximum temperature 13 °C.Tonight:A fine end to the day with some evening sunshine. It remains dry overnight with a touch of frost possible in places, although cloud is expected to increase towards dawn. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
