• 25
• Sep
• 2007

Parents are being prosecuted for ignoring Seat Belt law

Children are still being put in unnecessary risk by parents by not ensuring they wear a seatbelt during car journeys.

Northampton Police have said that 41 people in 12 months have been given £30 fines for failing to ensure that their children were strapped in.

Parents were found to be committing one of two offences, either a child under three not wearing a seatbelt when in the rear of the car or a child between the ages of 3 and 14 failing to wear a rear seatbelt.

Understandably, the police fear parents are unaware of the changes to the law.

John Hodgson, casualty reduction sergeant, said: “It’s a concern when children are reliant on parents to carry them safely.
“We do see children who are not using the appropriate booster seat or booster cushion and there’s a certain amount of non-compliance. Many people are still not aware of the legislation.
“There are lots of outlets where you can get child car seats fitted or checked.

“Our officers have the power to issue fines to anyone who is not complying with the law.”

More on this story can be found with our friends at Northampton Evening Telegraph