A recent campaign carried out by Bedfordshire County Council's Trading Standards and Road Risk Advisory teams has revealed that an alarming number of child car seats are fitted incorrectly.

Officers carrying out free safety checks around Bedfordshire discovered that out of the 140 child seats checked, almost all needed refitting or adjustment. Reasons included the seat belt not being routed through the child seat correctly, or the harness being too loose or twisted.

Councillor Peter Hollick, Bedfordshire County Council Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: "A properly fitted restraint can save a child's life, or prevent them from being seriously hurt in the event of an accident.

"The results of this latest round of child car seat testing are unfortunately unsurprising. Research from The Royal Society for Protection of Accidents shows that around 75% of child car seats are fitted incorrectly. This is an extremely worrying statistic and I would urge anyone who uses a child car seat to get it checked."

Parents are advised to follow these simple tips when fitting a child car seat: 

-  Make sure the seat is the right size for the child using it

-  Make sure the seat is compatible with the car and fits properly 

-  Fit the seat following manufacturer's instructions

-  Check that the seat is secure and the seat belt is not too loose or twisted   

-  The seat must be in good condition

-  Check the seat regularly and adjust if necessary, making sure the seat belt and car seat harnesses are tight.

For further advice or information on child car seat safety, please visit www.childcarseats.org.uk