Royal Borough offering free checks on children's car seats

Free checks on child car seats are being offered by the Royal Borough.

The borough's road safety team has joined forces with Child Seat Safety to offer advice which could help residents avoid a fine of up to £500 for falling foul of legal car seat requirements.

Thames Valley Police and the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service will also be on hand with advice and support at Windsor Leisure Centre in Stovell Road on Tuesday, April 8 from 10am to 3pm.

Cllr Geoff Hill, cabinet member for highways and transport, said:

“A correctly fitted car seat is a must."

"As any parent will agree, there is nothing more important than their child’s safety so this quick check is a great way to ensure a child seat is compatible with the car, is right for the height and weight of the child and is properly secured.

"Ultimately, following the right advice and getting a child seat checked could save a life.”

A child travelling in a car must legally be in a restraint system until they reach at least 135cm in height or are 12 years of age depending of which comes first.

Thames Valley Police will be carrying out enforcement operations across the borough.

Failure to wear a seat belt or ensure that a child passenger uses an appropriate child restraint could affect a car insurance claim.

Drivers also run the risk of landing a £500 fine.