New child seat laws come into force

New rules which make it compulsory for more children to use car seats have come into force.

Child seats or booster seats will be compulsory for under 12s who are less than 135cm tall. But consumer group Which? says many parents are unprepared for the new rules, despite the fact that retailers have already enjoyed soaring sales of the seats.

The legislation aims to reduce the 2,000 child casualties caused by road accidents every year. But many parents are unaware of the new requirements or simply don't understand them, Which? warned.

Youngsters travelling in cars, vans and other goods vehicles must use a child seat or booster until they reach the age of 12 or a height of 135cms (4' 5") - whichever comes first. This applies even if they have already spent several years in adult seats.

Prices start at £10 for the cheapest boosters rising to around £150 for a car seat. Breaking the new law will lead to a £30 on-the-spot fine for the driver, or a maximum fine of £500 if convicted in court.

Road Safety Minister Stephen Ladyman said: "I expect that the police will seek to educate as well as enforce, but ultimately parents face being fined if they don't comply with the new rules."

The changes mean: All children under three years old must use the correct child seat when travelling in any car or goods vehicle (except in the rear of a taxi if a child seat is not available).

Children aged three years and under 12 must use the correct child seat/booster seat/booster cushion when travelling in cars or goods vehicles until they reach about 4ft 5in (135cms). Few exceptions are permitted. Taller children and all those aged 12 and over need to use adult belts and rear-facing baby seats must not be used in seats with an active frontal airbag.

There are some specific practical exemptions - for taxis, emergency vehicles, and, for children aged three and over, journeys over a short distance in an unexpected necessity. In mini-buses, buses and coaches, seated passengers aged 14 years and above must use seatbelts where they are fitted.

Further regulations will be introduced in due course so that: Where seatbelts are provided, the number of people carried in the rear of cars and goods vehicles may not exceed the number of seats available fitted with seatbelts or child restraints (to apply from May 2009). Modern United Nations type-approved child restraints must be used from May 2008. Most restraints in use already meet this standard.