The new regulations state that;

· All children under 3 years old must use an appropriate child restraint when travelling in any car or goods vehicle, either in the front or the back, with the single exception for the rear of taxis. They cannot travel otherwise. This means for example that they may not travel in cars, vans or goods vehicles, which do not have seat belts installed.

· Children from 3 to 12 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. This means that once children are over 135cms or reach the age of 12 they no longer need to sit on a booster cushion or seat but it if they are below the age of 12 years and 135cms tall they must use the appropriate booster seat or cushion.

· Rear-facing baby seats must not be used in seats with an active front air-bag.

· If no seat belts are fitted in the front, then children under 135 cms in height (who are also under 12 years of age) cannot travel in the front.

· Where seat belts are provided, the number of people (children) carried in the rear of vehicles may not exceed the number of seats and seat belts available.

Information will be sent out to parents and carers, of Primary school aged pupils in September and advertising will appear in local publications to explain the new regulations.

For any more help and advice please contact the Road safety Team.