Thursday, April 17, 2008

NEW SEAT BELT AND CHILD RESTRAINTS RULES- DETAILS ANNOUNCED

Details of proposed new regulations aimed at improving road safety through more appropriate use of child restraints were announced today by Road Safety Minister Stephen Ladyman.

The details are outlined in a decision letter issued today. This follows last year's consultation on the proposed changes.

Stephen Ladyman, Road Safety Minister said -

"Most people make sure that children use some kind of restraint when travelling on the road, but it is vitally important to use the right one; and not to use an adult belt before the child is big enough.

"Small children need the protection that baby seats and child seats are designed to provide. Seat belts are designed for adults. Children who have grown out of child seats still need to use booster seats and booster cushions.

"We estimate that these changes could prevent over 2000 child deaths or injuries each year."

In summary the new requirements, set out in EC Directive 2003/20/EC, are that:

- all children under 3 years old must use an appropriate child restraint when travelling in any car or goods vehicle (except in the rear of a taxi if a child seat is not available);

- children aged 3 or more years old and up to 135 cms (approx 4 ft 5 inches) in height must use an appropriate child restraint when travelling in cars or goods vehicles fitted with seat belts (few exceptions are permitted);

- rear-facing baby seats must not be used in seats with active frontal air-bag;

- where seat belts are provided, the number of people carried in the rear of vehicles may not exceed the number of seats available fitted with seat belts or child restraints (to apply from May 2009).

- UN ECE 44.03 or later standard child restraints must be used from May 2008.

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