§ Mr. NichollsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his assessment of the level of compliance with the legislation relating to safety restraints for children in the rear of motor vehicles; if he will take steps to monitor compliance with the legislation; if he will introduce legislation to make the fitting of child restraints in the rear seats of motor vehicles compulsory; and if he will make a statement. [38931]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe Transport Research Laboratory survey seat belt wearing rates in motor vehicles twice yearly on behalf of the Department. The latest results—for October 1997—show that for children aged 0–4 years the wearing rate was 85% observed in all cars (ie including those not fitted with rear restraints), and that for children aged 5–13 years was 71%.
We have no plans at present to make the fitting of child restraints in the rear seats of motor vehicles compulsory as this would be harsh on parents who depend on others for lifts, or who have older cars without rear seat belts or anchorage points. But, serious injuries to children can be significantly reduced if they are in a suitable seat restraint and we strongly recommend they should always be used wherever fitted. We are also planning a publicity campaign later in the year to encourage seat belt wearing, particularly in the rear of motor cars.