Over 10 vehicles in Wick checked for child seat safety

Road policing officers in Highland and Islands carried out a day of education in Wick in relation to child car seat safety this week.

In the town centre on Wednesday officers worked alongside an expert from the national Good Egg safety campaign, stopping vehicles with child seats and checking them.

Road policing sergeant Alasdair Mackay said: "Having properly fitting child car seats is one of the most important aspects when transporting children in vehicles.

"Children under the age of 12, or below 135cm in height (approx 4ft 6ins), must use an appropriate child restraint when travelling. Depending on the child's age, weight and height this will either be an infant carrier, harnessed child seat or high back booster.

"Failure to properly restrain children can have serious consequences if involved in a crash but can also lead to prosecution and / or penalties for the driver.

"During our day of education we checked around 11 vehicles which had 16 child car seats fitted.

"Every child seat checked required adjustments. The most common issues that were identified included being poorly or incorrectly fitted and the wrong size for the child. The expert from the Good Egg Safety CIC was able to give specific advice to drivers about their car seat.

"This event was planned for some time and the motorists we spoke to were welcoming of the advice and independent checks that were provided."

Jan James, chief executive of Good Egg Safety CIC said: "We are delighted to partner with Police Scotland (Highlands and Islands) on child seat checks.

"Incorrect fitting is more common than many parents realise and it is critical we convey the message that if any child seat doesn’t fit the child or the vehicle the child seat is used in, it places them at serious risk of harm or worse."

For further information please visit the Good Egg Safety website.

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