Menu
27/02/2006
New seat belt rules announced
The government has announced proposed new regulations concerning the use of seat belts and child restraints.
The new regulations require the use of an appropriate restraint in any car or goods vehicle for all children less than three years of age.
Children aged 3 and above and up to 4ft 5in in height would have to use an appropriate child restraint in cars or goods vehicles fitted with seat belts.
The regulations also state that rear-facing baby seats must not be used in seats with active frontal air bags and state that the number of people carried in the rear of vehicles fitted with seat belts must not exceed the number of available seat belts and restraints.
The regulations will now need to be approved by both Houses of Parliament.
Commenting on the regulations, Road Safety Minister Stephen Ladyman said that the changes could prevent over 2,000 child deaths or injuries each year. He 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."
Seat belt wearing has been compulsory in cars and light vans from 1983 in the front and in the rear since 1989 for children and 1991 for adults. It has been compulsory in other vehicles in front seats since 1993.
Drivers are responsible for seat belt wearing and use of appropriate child restraints for children under 14.
Those who do not observe the regulations face a £30 fixed penalty notice or a maximum fine of £500 if the case goes to court.
(KMcA/GB)
The new regulations require the use of an appropriate restraint in any car or goods vehicle for all children less than three years of age.
Children aged 3 and above and up to 4ft 5in in height would have to use an appropriate child restraint in cars or goods vehicles fitted with seat belts.
The regulations also state that rear-facing baby seats must not be used in seats with active frontal air bags and state that the number of people carried in the rear of vehicles fitted with seat belts must not exceed the number of available seat belts and restraints.
The regulations will now need to be approved by both Houses of Parliament.
Commenting on the regulations, Road Safety Minister Stephen Ladyman said that the changes could prevent over 2,000 child deaths or injuries each year. He 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."
Seat belt wearing has been compulsory in cars and light vans from 1983 in the front and in the rear since 1989 for children and 1991 for adults. It has been compulsory in other vehicles in front seats since 1993.
Drivers are responsible for seat belt wearing and use of appropriate child restraints for children under 14.
Those who do not observe the regulations face a £30 fixed penalty notice or a maximum fine of £500 if the case goes to court.
(KMcA/GB)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
12 September 2006
Child car seat laws to come into force
Parents are being urged to ensure that they are familiar with the new child car seat laws which are due to come into force on September 18.
Child car seat laws to come into force
Parents are being urged to ensure that they are familiar with the new child car seat laws which are due to come into force on September 18.
24 August 2015
Woman Killed And Six Injured Following M69 Collision
A woman has died and six others have been injured after a collision on the M69 in Leicestershire. The incident took place on 22 August on the northbound carriageway of the M69 in Thurlaston. The woman, who was a rear seat passenger in the one-vehicle collision, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Woman Killed And Six Injured Following M69 Collision
A woman has died and six others have been injured after a collision on the M69 in Leicestershire. The incident took place on 22 August on the northbound carriageway of the M69 in Thurlaston. The woman, who was a rear seat passenger in the one-vehicle collision, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
06 August 2010
Pensioner In Bizarre Seat-Belt Arrest
The police have claimed that a 70-year-old man they had stopped for not wearing a seatbelt and who was later dragged violently from his car and manhandled after they had smashed his car window had "behaved aggressively". An official investigation has been launched after a video of the officers conduct emerged.
Pensioner In Bizarre Seat-Belt Arrest
The police have claimed that a 70-year-old man they had stopped for not wearing a seatbelt and who was later dragged violently from his car and manhandled after they had smashed his car window had "behaved aggressively". An official investigation has been launched after a video of the officers conduct emerged.
01 February 2010
Shocking 'Belt-Up' Ad Launched
A hard-hitting THINK! campaign reminding drivers of the potentially fatal consequences of not wearing a seat belt was launched today by Road Safety Minister Paul Clark. The £1.3m campaign shows that if you have a crash without wearing a seat belt you actually experience three crashes, even at everyday speeds like 30mph.
Shocking 'Belt-Up' Ad Launched
A hard-hitting THINK! campaign reminding drivers of the potentially fatal consequences of not wearing a seat belt was launched today by Road Safety Minister Paul Clark. The £1.3m campaign shows that if you have a crash without wearing a seat belt you actually experience three crashes, even at everyday speeds like 30mph.
03 March 2008
Man Arrested Over Car Crash Death
A 29-year-old man has been arrested after a body was found in a car in Bedfordshire, more than 12 hours after it was involved in a crash. The body of a man, a front seat passenger, was found in the Vauxhall Cavalier, shortly before 2pm on Saturday.
Man Arrested Over Car Crash Death
A 29-year-old man has been arrested after a body was found in a car in Bedfordshire, more than 12 hours after it was involved in a crash. The body of a man, a front seat passenger, was found in the Vauxhall Cavalier, shortly before 2pm on Saturday.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
