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(Scottish drivers only) call or email 01292 289 584
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(Scottish drivers only) call or email 01292 289 584
info@nationwideroadtrafficlawyers.co.uk
Research has found that more than 50% of car seats in the UK are fitted correctly with 71% of all seats surveyed found to be fitted incorrectly or incompatible.
The report was carried out by Good Egg Safety and found that of the 1,632 seats checked in England, 77% were incorrectly fitted, while, in Scotland, 62% of the 1,282 checked were incorrectly installed. As a result of this it meant that children were exceptionally at risk in the UK when in vehicles.
The author of the survey stated that the findings were “simply appalling” and stated that more had to be done to protect children in the UK when travelling in vehicles.
Tanya Robinson, child safety centre manager at TRL, said: “Choosing and installing the right car seat can be a minefield for parents, so it’s vital that they are getting the right advice from retailers, manufacturers and road safety professionals
Children must normally use a child car seat until they're 12 years old or 135cm tall to protect a child from any accident when travelling. Only EU-approved child car seats can be used in the UK.
Recently, there has been a significant effort to try and restrict the number of people breaching car seat law in the UK. Failure to have a car seat for a child can result in a fixed penalty of £100 that can rise to £500. While there are some circumstances that allow no car seat to be installed (for example unforeseen circumstances) failing to have a car seat for those under the age of twelve can result in asignificant fine.
Sarah-Jane Martin, spokesperson for Brake, the road safety charity said: “Child seats are subject to strict safety standards for a reason, and can save a child’s life in the event of a crash. Incorrect fitting of a seat would put a child at risk of death or injury"
If you require any legal advice or representation regarding aspect regarding road traffic law our team of experts can help. Contact us today using our online contact form.
