ITV
12.45, Tue Sep 12 2006
Only two thirds of mothers are aware of new child car seat laws which come into effect next Monday, according to a survey.
Drivers will have to make sure all youngsters under 12 or shorter than 135 centimetres use the right restraints in vehicles.
Breaking the new law will lead to a £30 on-the-spot fine for the driver or a maximum fine of £500 if convicted in court.
The new measures are designed to cut the annual toll of more than 7,000 child deaths and injuries in car accidents.
If children sit higher in a vehicle they stand a better chance of avoiding a compression injury to internal organs or spine in a smash.
Exceptions to the new laws are when children travel in the rear seats of taxis or during short emergency journeys - which does not cover school runs.
There is also an exception for a third child travelling in the rear when the vehicle only has room for two booster seats.
Under the law the correct type of child seat, booster seat or booster cushion for an individual child's size must be used. The rules apply in cars, vans and goods vehicles.
