Council discount to have child restraints checked
The overwhelming success of Wingecarribee Shire Council’s free Child Restraint Checking Day has prompted Council to offer further incentives for residents to have their vehicle’s child restraints properly checked.
Held on May 14 held in conjunction with Highlands Pit Lane and the Mittagong Marketplace, the free Child Restraint Checking Day was quickly booked out with the Shire’s residents keen to have their child restraint correctly fitted and learn more about the correct restraint for their children.
“The number of local residents having their restraint fitted or checked was commendable; however most of the child restraints were fitted incorrectly and needed to be adjusted or fully re-fitted,” said Council’s Road Safety Officer, Charmaine Cooper.
Parents who were concerned about moving child restraints from one car to another also learnt how to fit and adjust a child restraint correctly.
Council reminds all residents to have their child restraints fitted or checked by an authorised fitting station.
“Due to the popularity of the day, Council will be offering a $10 discount voucher to local residents to have their child restraints fitted or checked at an RTA Authorised Fitting Station.”
“Inspections carried out by an RTA Authorised Fitter will identify and adjust any unsafe fittings,” said Ms Cooper.
Discount vouchers, including details required to make a booking, can be found on the Wingecarribee Shire Council website atwww.wsc.nsw.gov.au.
Parents and carers are reminded that it is now law to place children in an appropriate child restraint up to seven years of age whilst travelling in a vehicle.
Children up to six months old must be restrained in a rearward facing infant capsule; followed by a forward facing child seat until the age of four; and a booster seat from four to seven years old.
Children up to four years old must be restrained in the rear of a vehicle. A child aged four to seven years old must be seated in the back, unless all the rear seat positions are occupied by other young children (under seven years of age).
While most people strive to do the right thing, some children are moving to bigger seats too early, or may be restrained in a seat that is too small for their height and weight.
For further information about child restraints contact the RTA on 132213 or visit www.crep.com.au