BB FANS

18.09.06

Parents risk being fined up to £500 from today if they fail to strap children under 12 into a car seat.

New rules make child or booster seats compulsory for youngsters up to that age who are less than 135cm (4ft 5in) tall.

Ministers say the regulations - the result of an EU directive - will prevent up to 2,000 deaths or injuries a year.

However, it emerged yesterday that many parents are perplexed by the changes, which even Transport Minister Stephen Ladyman admitted are 'a bit confusing'.

Nevertheless, he warned the rules must be obeyed. This raises the prospect of tens of thousands of parents receiving £30 spot fines. If they refuse to pay, they could be handed a £500 penalty in court.

Under the rules any child under three must use a safety seat either in the front or back of a vehicle.

Those aged four to six must have a booster seat. After that age, they must use a booster seat until they reach 12 or a height of 135cms - whichever comes first.

In effect, the upper age is likely to be less than 12 because the average age for a child to reach that height in Britain is between ten and 11.

The rules apply to cars, vans and other goods vehicles. 'Approved' restraints range from £10 polystyrene booster seats to fully adjustable seats costing from £50.

Drivers who can show they are reacting to an 'unforeseen emergency' - such as a hospital journey or having a child foisted on them unexpectedly for a short trip - are exempt, as are licensed taxis.

thisisLondon

I think if I remember correctly the booster seat still applies upto 5ft in the passenger front seat if an Air-bag is fitted. This also applies to adults under 5ft.

My niece has already passed the height requirement (135cm) aged 8.

I'm sure it's supposed to have the right intentions, saving lives, etc. But where will it end? Next year, all cars are to be padded with cotton wool and be speed-limited to 20mph. Overtaking will be banned, as will driving at night or in the rain, whichever comes first of course.

Approx 60 million people, at approx 15 car journeys a week, equates to 46,800,000,000 journeys a year. Unfortunately, mathematically, someone, somewhere is likely to die or be seriously injured.

If it's really about safety why the age limit? Surely it should all be about size/height if anything?

btw, everything you need to know about the new regulations, at the Think Road Safety website.

I Agree ,The age limit is wrong as some remain small.

The reasoning for the 5ft restriction is due to the angle the air-bag would fit you in a accident hence why even adults under 5ft are advised to use a booster cushion. An air-bag hitting at 140MPH can injure (American cars 350MPH due to them not wearing their seat-belts).

So if memory is serving me tonight all passengers under 4ft 5in have to use a booster seat regardless of air-bags but if the vehicle does have air-bags on the front passenger side then they have to continue to use the booster until they reach 5ft. Age shouldn't come into it though it does.

The article I see doesn't mention directly about the 5ft rule but does says that adult seat-belts are designed for 5ft and above and to refer to the car handbook for recommendations regarding children in the front seat when an airbag is fitted.

Anybody who is too low in the seat when an airbag deploys is likely to take more of the force to the face and head increasing the risk of injury.

The way most modern cars handle in terms of braking and cornering mean too many people take far too many risks. Too many safety features seem to give a false sense of security. The best device to reduce most accidents: a 6" sharp metal spike sticking out of the steering wheel.

Can I nominate you as my driver then TF

hey, I'm a safe (ish) driver! No points in 14 years, and not a single claim ever. Mind you, the last time I told someone that I performed a 360 degree spin on a sharp corner. It probably didn't help that the last words I'd issued at the time were 'hold on to your seats!"

would be pleased to drive you anytime (without the spike though) CC. how about a trip to Beachy Head?