More than 107 child seats in cars checked by Powys County Council were fitted incorrectly, risking the lives of children, it was claimed today.

And Councillor Geraint Hopkins has hit out at parents, saying he was ‘disappointed’ that only a small percentage of them took advantage of the free checks offered by the council.

A total of 107 of the 126 seats checked by staff from the council’s Road Safety Unit across the county were fitted wrong, the council said.

Trained road safety officers were able to rectify all of the faults on the failed seats apart from one, which was condemned.

Councillor Hopkins, cabinet member for environment and regulation, said: “I’m pleased that these checks meant that so many of the faults identified were rectified.

“However, I was disappointed that more parents didn’t support this wonderful project.

“We go out of the way to ensure that children are travelling around Powys as safe as possible and it is disheartening that some parents will not allow a few minutes out of their day to look after their child’s safety in the car.

“These checks were funded through a road safety grant provided by the Welsh Government.

“I sincerely hope that this grant will continue in the future to allow us to carry on such rewarding schemes.”

Sarah Morris, the council’s senior road safety officer, added: “Baby and child car seats may only help to protect a child if they are used correctly.

“Unless it is the correct model for your vehicle, your child’s weight and size and is fitted correctly, it will not offer the full protection that your child’s life requires.

“All officers from the Road Safety Unit are trained to check your seat and show you how to fit it properly. Each check will only take a few minutes so please contact us to arrange an appointment.”

For road safety advice call the council’s road safety unit on 0845 6027035.