Warning after Mid Wales child seats fail safety tests
More than 85 per cent of child car seats checked during a crackdown in Mid Wales were not suitable for use, it has been revealed.
Powys County Council's road safety unit, which carried out the checks in Newtown, said 48 of the 65 seats checked needed adjustment, with eight condemned as not suitable for use.
Just nine of those vetted by officers were found to be suitable and fitted correctly, the council said today.
The council carried out the checks as part of its car seat clinics held in supermarket car parks around the region.
Councillor John Brunt, cabinet member for road safety, said: "Child car seats need to be fitted correctly in order to protect your child in the event of a collision. I would recommend that parents contact our road safety unit if they have any concerns about their child's safety or for a free check which will only take a few minutes."
Sarah Morris, the council's senior road safety officer, added: "Please do not be afraid of asking for our advice. We are trained and available to offer advice and show you the correct way to fit your child car seat.
"With so many makes and models of seats available, it can be confusing for parents and carers to know if the seat is correct for the child, the car and also to ensure that it is fitted correctly."
Ms Morris added: "A common fault included the headrest interfering with the child car seat, where there should be no contact. When fitting a rearward facing baby seat, check the position of the carry handle – there should be a picture on the side of the seat."
She added: "There should also be a gap between the baby seat and the seat in front and finally, the harness straps should be tight enough that you can just slip two fingers flat between your child's body and their collar bones, ensuring there are no twists in the straps."
Call (01686) 611586 or e-mail: road.safety@powys.gov.uk
