School runs will be ‘belt up’ target

Aug 21 2009 by Andrew Welsh, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

School runs will be ‘belt up’ target

POLICE yesterday warned Perthshire’s motorists to ‘clunk click every trip’ or face prosecution.

To coincide with the start of the new school year this week, Big County cops are taking a lead from TV veteran Jimmy Savile by highlighting the dangers of failing to wear a seatbelt in cars.

The force, which held a ‘day of action’ yesterday to detect speeding and seatbelt offences, plan to pay particular attention to vehicles on the school run, as well as other traffic near the region’s schools.

Parents and carers are being reminded they should always ensure that everyone in their vehicle is wearing a seat belt, or the correct child restraint.

Almost 600 children were injured while travelling in cars on Scottish roads last year, with 55 seriously injured and 13 killed.

Tayside Police’s road policing head Sandy Bowman said children’s movements near roads can be unpredictable.

“Too often, children can walk or run into the road, or step off the pavement without warning,” he told the PA.

“A great deal of effort goes into educating children about the importance of road safety, but it is of equal importance for drivers to also make road safety their priority.”

The chief inspector said drivers putting the foot down through reduced speed limit zones of 20 miles per hour outside schools could expect to land a minimum of a £60 fine and three points on their licence.

And the penalty for failing to wear a seat belt is also now £60, up from £30.

“Drivers are personally responsible for ensuring that a child under 14 is suitably restrained,” said Chief Insp Bowman.

“Children up to the age of three in the front of the vehicle must be placed in a correct child seat, while children older than three, but less than 135cm or under 12 years of age, must use a correct child restraint such as a booster seat and adult seatbelt.

“If one is not available they can conditionally use an adult seat belt in the rear.”

Parents are being reminded to buy child seats from reputable dealers, and to check the product has been approved by the European Union.

Anyone with a query should contact Perth-based road safety officer Rachel Ewins on 01738 892888.