main content Is your child safe in the car?

Around eighty per cent of child seats are not being fitted properly by parents according to recent research. As car seats do not necessarily fit in all models of car, Bromley parents can visit the Council’s unique car seat centre for further advice. The improved centre gives personalised help to parents looking to purchase a seat.

“There is no such thing as a child seat which will fits all cars and no car which fits all car seats. The problems arise from variations in the length of seatbelt and the buckle, meaning some seats will fit but not others. The only way a parent can find this out is by trying the seat first. Some car seat manufacturers’ websites do list which makes of car are compatible. However this still leaves risk of error when the parents come to fit the seat themselves.” said Caroline Townsend, Road Safety Officer at the London Borough of Bromley.

Parents are urged to carefully read all instructions and not to rely purely on the coloured guides that are provided. Child seats are designed to be used on either side of the car so care needs to be taken that the correct set of instructions is followed.

Child seats are designed to fit tightly. Plugging the belt into a different buckle, wedging the seat in using cushions or using the seat in front is not safe. An incorrectly fitted seat will not protect a child or baby in a crash.

Bromley Council runs a car seat fitting and advice centre where parents, grandparents and carers can talk through the various options. The centre offers a try before you buy service (seats are not sold so parents are assured they are getting trustworthy, impartial advice). Parents are able to see which seat is compatible with their car(s) and learn how to fit it themselves. If parents have already purchased a seat then it can be checked for suitability.

The service is free and is available to all residents of Bromley or people who transport children for work within the Bromley borough. Telephone 0208 313 4498 or visit www.bromley.gov.uk/roadsafety to book an appointment.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• Statistics about incorrect car seat fitting come from the Royal Society of the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA).
• New legislation in September 2006 will mean that ALL children up to 135 centimetres (4ft 5in, approximately age 11) MUST be in a suitable car seat whist being transported in cars. Visit www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk for further information.
  
• For media enquiries, please contact Amy Bevins, Strategy Development Officer, on 020 8313 4738, or Caroline Townsend, Road Safety Officer on 020 8313 4498 or email amy.bevins@bromley.gov.uk