Car seat law still confusing parents

Are You Sitting Legally?

16 August 2006 18:25 GMT / By Jonathan Goddard

Motorists are confused about changes to laws affecting child seats, according to a new report.

Tougher legislation, which will force drivers to place children up to the age of 12 or of a height below 135cm in appropriate seats or boosters, are fully understood by 40% of whatcar.com readers. They correctly identified the age limits, while a third thought seven was the upper age limit and 10% thought it was only up to the age of three.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA) said: “The figures show that there is a still a gap in knowledge. It is going to be a major change and it's one that parents should look at sooner rather than later - don't leave it to the last minute”.

The group said it was still pleased that four in ten drivers appreciated the new laws, which come into force on 18 September, and was encouraged by the large volume of calls it is receiving looking for clarification of the changes.

Go to www.childcareseats.org.uk for more details on the new legislation.

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