Keeping Safe in the Car

Car seat checking clinics

Car seat clinics give parents the opportunity to have their child's seat checked free of charge. This service advises parents of the options available, the correct seat for their child, a check to ensure the seat is correctly fitted into the vehicle and advice to correct any problems.

The wide choice of car seats on the market makes it difficult sometimes, for parents to understand how important it is that the seat is not only correct for their child but is also compatible for their car.

This could have devastating consequences in the event of a collision.

To find out more about car seat checking in Walsall please contact us.

Child car seats and the law

Anyone who is transporting children under the age of 12 years should be aware of the law.

Children under three years must use the child restraint appropriate for their weight in any vehicle (including vans and other goods vehicles). There is only one exception;

“A child under three may travel unrestrained in the rear of a taxi if the right child restraint is not available”

Rear facing baby seats must not be used in a seat protected by a frontal air bag unless the air-bag has been deactivated manually or automatically.

In vehicles where seat belts are fitted, children three years to 135 cm in height must use the appropriate child restraint.

Three exceptions allow these children to travel in the rear and use an adult belt:

• in a taxi if the right child restraint is not available
• for a short distance in an unexpected necessity, if the right child restraint is not available
• where two occupied child seats in the rear prevent the fitment of a third child seat

These changes became law on 18 September 2006.

From May 2008, all child restraints must comply with UN ECE 44.03 standard (or subsequent versions). Child seats to the 44.03 standard have been on sale for many years.

For more information please view the useful links.