On the 18th September 2006 new regulations will be launched, ensuring the correct types of restraints are used on children traveling on the road. According to the Department of Transport for Road Safety, in 2004, 24 children aged 0-11 were killed and 372 seriously injured in cars. It is hoped the new laws will set a clear standard of tackling these figures by making sure that restraints used must be appropriate for the child’s weight in any vehicle.

Stephen Ladyman, Road Safety Minister said We estimate that these changes could prevent over 2000 child deaths or injuries each year. Other laws include that 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 of three years to 135 cm in height (approx 4ft 5ins) must use the appropriate child restraint. For further information visit, www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk

Additional Information

For further information on buying a car visit www.oft.gov.uk and read the car consumer advice section. Also visit sites like www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk, www.financingyourcar.org.uk, and www.consumerdirect.gov.uk.