Bedfordshire County Council's Trading Standards & Registration Service, along with the Road Risk Advisory Team, will be offering free safety checks on child car seats next month, as part of Road Safety Week.

Checks will be carried out from Monday 10 to Friday 14 November, between 10am and 4pm, at a number of locations around the county. The teams will also be on hand to offer help and advice to parents and carers on this important area of child safety.

Cllr Tom Wootton, Bedfordshire County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Waste, said: "It’s only natural for parents to want what's best for their children and most parents invest in buying a car seat to help keep their young ones safe when travelling.  However, it is crucial that the seat is fitted correctly to give maximum protection.”

According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, around 75% of child car seats are fitted incorrectly, and around 40 children under the age of 12 are killed while travelling in a car every year in the UK.

Bill Brady from Bedfordshire County Council’s Road Risk Advisory Team said: "If a child is travelling in your car, you should ensure they always travel safely, in a correctly fitted, approved child restraint that is suitable for their size and weight.

"I would advise all parents of young children to come along to one of the free sessions where they can get not just a check-up, but peace of mind."

Checks will be held at the following locations:

Monday 10 November              Bedford Fire Station, Barkers Lane     
Tuesday 11 November             Biggleswade Fire Station, Chestnut Avenue
Wednesday 12 November       Ampthill Fire Station, Oliver Street
Thursday 13 November            Toddington Fire Station, Dunstable Road
Friday 14 November              Leighton Buzzard Fire Station, Lake Street

For detailed advice on fitting and using child restraints in the car, visit: www.childcarseats.org.uk