Bracknell

Bracknell Parents are being given the chance to make sure their baby and child seats are fitted correctly and safely.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council, Halfords and seat-manufacturers Britax are joining forces to give the free checks, outside Halfords in the Peel Centre, Skimped Hill, Bracknell, between 10am to 4pm on Saturday, May 6.

The checks are ahead of changes to the law over child car restraints.

From September it will be a legal requirement for toddlers aged under three and children under 1.35metres/4ft 5in to wear appropriate restraints while travelling in cars. This could include baby or child seats, or booster seats or cushions.

The measures are being introduced because an adult seat belt is designed for someone with an adult bone structure and who is 150cm or taller, so are not appropriate for children and could injure them in a crash.

The changes in the law could spare more than 2,000 deaths and injuries to children each year.

Cllr Mary Ballin, Executive Member for Bracknell Planning and Transportation, said: "All parents want to keep their children safe, and this annual event has been very valuable in helping parents make sure the seats are fitted correctly.

"Our safety officers are experienced and dedicated and look forward to seeing as many families as possible on May 6."

Bracknell Forest Borough Council