As part of Child Safety Week (childsafetyweek.org.uk) Cornwall Trading Standards officials are urging parents to buy and properly fit the right kind of car seat for their children.

Industry safety tests show eight out of ten parents install child car seats incorrectly when using a traditional seat belt although 94% of parents who install car seats where both the car and child car seat have integrated ISOFIX/ISOFIT anchor points do so correctly.

The law requires all children less than 12 years old or under 135cm tall (whichever is first) to be carried in size appropriate restraints. Children over three years old can travel without a car seat if the journey is short, unexpected and necessary. Drivers who break the law face a fixed £30 penalty or potentially a fine of up to £500.

Jane Tomlinson from Cornwall Council Trading Standards says:  ’’Your child can travel safely by following a few basic guidelines.  Always buy an E-marked (Capital E in a circle) car seat new from a reputable supplier as they are guaranteed to be made to the legally approved standard and been the subject of rigorous crash safety testing.

’Many retailers will show you how to fit it in your car for the first time.

’Never buy or use a second hand car seat, including those often sold as part of a travel system.

’You will not know if it has been damaged. 

’Car seats must never be used in a side-facing seat and if you use the car’s front passenger seat then the airbag must be turned off.’