Councillors Peter Convery, Margaret Toner and Hugh Hunter with the team carrying out the checks and some children whose car seats had been checked
South Ayrshire Council, working in partnership with the Scottish Good Egg Guide to promote In-Car Child Safety has held three free clinics to check out children's car seats.
The aim of the campaign was to raise awareness of the dangers of transporting unrestrained or incorrectly restrained children in vehicles. Free clinics were held at Sainsbury's, Prestwick, Heads of Ayr Farm Park, Ayr and ASDA in Girvan.
If a child is correctly restrained when travelling in a car they are less likely to be injured or killed in a road accident.
Councillor Peter Convery, Portfolio Holder for Sustainability and the Environment said: "This year 60 child seats were checked in South Ayrshire and we were pleased that so many people took the time to ensure that children in their vehicle were as safe as possible.
"Of the seats checked we found that 6 had minor faults 8 had major faults or were not fitted correctly, 2 were incompatible with the child and one was incompatible with the car. As children grow they need new seats to reflect their changing size and we were pleased to advise people who had recently purchased new child car seats how to fit them correctly.
"The free clinics always attract people, the opportunity to have your child car seat checked by trained road safety professionals is one not to be missed.
"If you have children travelling in your car please make sure that they are in a car seat that is safe and secure. One child injured through being placed in a car seat that is the wrong size for them or fitted to the car incorrectly is one too many. We must do all we can to reduce the number of children who are injured when travelling in cars."
Here are some of the comments made by people who had their car seats checked:
- I came especially for the clinic as I transport my grandchildren and want to be sure seats fit my new car.
- Impressed with service.
- Fantastic getting my seat checked – thank you.
- Came specially – thank you.
- Great idea.
If you require any further information about car seat safety telephone 01292 616371 or 616249 or visit the website: http://www.protectchild.co.uk/.