Ford helps drivers meet child restraint legislation

Ford dealers are stocking a comprehensive range of child safety seats and booster cushions to help drivers comply with changes to the law.

The new legislation, which is aimed at preventing around 2,000 child deaths and injuries each year, was introduced this week. It means that all young children will have to use a restraint appropriate for their size and will no longer be able to use an adult seat belt alone in the front or rear.

Non-compliance can result in a £30 fixed penalty, or a fine of up to £500, and the law change has led to high street stores running out of the seats. Ford has shipped seats and booster cushions to all its parts dealers so customers with both cars and goods vehicles can comply with the new law, and carry children safely.

The legislation requires:

Children under three to use an appropriate restraint when travelling in a car or goods vehicle
Those aged three or more and up to 135cms (about four feet five inches) tall to use a child seat, booster seat or booster cushion appropriate for their size
Rear-facing baby seats must not be used in seats with an active front airbag

Ford is marketing a comprehensive range of child seats and restraints through its dealer network, in partnership with Britax. The complete range – with advice on the appropriate seat required – is available through Ford dealers and includes ISOfix (International Standards Organisation fix) seats for S-MAX, Galaxy, Focus, Focus C-MAX and Tourneo Connect. As an extra safety measure, latest Ford cars are now designed with ISOfix fittings, which eliminate the possibility of child seats being fitted incorrectly.