| New UK regulations are coming into force to improve | | | | child it's probably worth investing in a seat that can be |
| children's safety whilst travelling in a car. This article | | | | adjusted as your child grows. |
| explains. | | | | For an idea of what you'd have to pay for a seat that |
| September 2006 will see the introduction of new laws | | | | would take your child from 9 months to 12 years, the |
| regarding child restraints in cars. | | | | Recaro Start seat can be bought for around |
| Current laws state: - Children aged three to 11 | | | | £200. |
| (inclusive) and less than 150cm tall are permitted to | | | | There's the Evolva 23 seat, from Britax, which is |
| travel in an adult seat belt if no child restraint is fitted. | | | | adjustable and suitable for children weighing from15kg |
| New legislation says: - Children aged three to 11 and | | | | to 36kg and up to 135cm (4ft 5ins). The back of the |
| under 135cm have to be seated in child seat or | | | | seat can be extended as the child grows, so that the |
| booster (designed to be used with an adult belt), | | | | head is always supported. This costs around £65. |
| suitable for their age and weight. | | | | For a baby of up to 9 months, or around 13kg, a rear |
| Children taller than 135cm (4ft 5ins) or aged 12 or over | | | | facing approved car seat is acceptable, fitted on either |
| must wear an adult seat belt where one is fitted. | | | | the front passenger seat or in the back of the car. It |
| The driver is responsible for ensuring these rules are | | | | must no be used in the front if an airbag is fitted. |
| complied with until the child reaches the age of 14, | | | | It's extremely important that the seat is fitted properly, |
| when they must take responsibility for their own | | | | and many suppliers offer a fitting service. Do |
| safety. | | | | remember that it's important that before you have the |
| The Department of Transport believes that, by making | | | | seat fitted; make sure it fits your child. |
| sure that children are securely restrained and not | | | | The 18 September is the date that the Department of |
| allowed to use adult seatbelts until they are sufficiently | | | | Transport is aiming for, so remember, after this date |
| tall for them to work in the proper manner, 2,000 child | | | | you need to comply with the new rules. |
| injuries and deaths will be prevented. | | | | These laws are to be taken seriously. Parents and |
| The penalty for failing to comply with these regulations | | | | regular carers are not the only ones who need to be |
| will be a fixed penalty fine of £30 or, if the case | | | | "car seat ready". You may occasionally take your, say |
| proceeds to court, a fine of up to a maximum of | | | | 9 year old, grandchild out with you. The big difference |
| £500. | | | | there is that, prior to September 18; no special steps |
| Exceptions will be allowed in emergencies, cars without | | | | had to be taken. After this date you'll need to equip |
| seatbelts, and when children are passengers in taxis. | | | | yourself with a seat or booster. |
| Information on child-seat safety can be obtained from | | | | If you are in the unfortunate position of being involved |
| the Child Accident Prevention Trust, or from the | | | | in an accident, and if your child or children are not |
| government's website there's a question and answer | | | | travelling in an approved car seat or booster, your |
| section on government website which is very | | | | insurance may not be willing to pay out, resulting in |
| comprehensive and seems to answer every question | | | | what could be a considerable personal claim against |
| you could think of. | | | | the driver, whose responsibility it is. |
| There's a good choice of car seats available, and you | | | | Parents and (even occasional) carers please take |
| should always ensure that they are made to conform | | | | note. |
| to the European Union safety standards. For a young | | | | |