Car seat clinics in Kent by Kent County Council Road's Safety Team

Families concerned about whether their children's car seats are fitted correctly can have them checked at free clinics in the county this summer.

Last year, 70% of children's car seats checked by Kent County Council's Road Safety Team were incorrectly fitted or condemned.

A new awareness campaign is soon to be launched to highlight the dangers of poorly fitted seats and boosters and to provide advice on anything which puts a child at risk whilst travelling in a vehicle.

Another series of free car seat clinics, which can give advice and check the safety and condition of car seats particularly in areas such as incorrectly or poorly fitting harnesses, are also taking place from this month.

Apart from the checks, the team will also be on hand to highlight other major problems such as a car seat which is incompatible with the car, a damaged car seat or the wrong size or type of seat for a child.

Drivers are also being reminded that not only could poorly fitted restraints be the difference between life and death in the event of an accident but that a failure to comply with current car seat safety laws carries a penalty of up to £500.

Clinics are taking place between 9.45am and 12.45pm on the following dates and locations:

• Tuesday, May 21, Sainsbury's, Northfleet, DA11 8JH
• Tuesday, June 25, Sainsbury's, Aylesford, ME20 7NA
• Tuesday, July 30, Sainsbury's, Bybrook, Ashford TN24 8YN
• Tuesday, August 20, Hop Farm, Paddock Wood, TN12 6PY

Further car seat advice, information and top tips can be found on the road safety team's facebook page.

*To stay up to date with other news and events like this join our facebook group especially for families in Kent.