§ Mr. Wallaceasked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has any proposals to make the use of child restraints in motor vehicles compulsory; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyNot at present. All new cars registered from 1 April this year must be fitted with rear seat belts and/or child restraints. That should encourage more parents to use child restraints. Our aim is to increase the voluntary use of restraints and voluntary fitting in cars which do not already have them.
We will continue to press home to parents the message that the use of restraints saves children's lives. Parents can obtain advice and a copy of the Department's leaflet, "Protect Your Child in the Car" by ringing our road safety hotline (0800 234888).