A NEW campaign to highlight the dangers of badly-fitted child car seats is continuing in York this week.

The National Police Chiefs Council said two out of three car seats across the UK are incorrectly fitted, leaving children at serious risk of injury during a crash.

As part of the TISPOL Seatbelt Enforcement Campaign, which runs until March 19, officers from North Yorkshire Police will visit 21 primary schools around the city to offer advice on road safety, and guidance to parents at the school gates during drop off and pick up times.

Sergeant John Lumbard of North Yorkshire Police said: “Drivers should always bear in mind that regardless of how careful they are when driving, a collision could occur because of the actions of someone else. Seat belts are a vital safety feature which ensure the occupants of a vehicle are best protected.

“This Europe wide campaign is to help parents understand the law and the fitting of child seats, as well as to prosecute those drivers who choose either not to wear a seat belt or put others safety at risk by not ensuring children carried in their vehicles are properly restrained.”

Road Policing Officers are also on duty around the region to target drivers on the roads who do not comply with the law.

Sgt Lumbard said: “This is about our commitment to the safety of our communities, particularly the young and vulnerable.”

“Drivers should ask themselves a very simple question: How would I feel if my child was badly hurt because I didn’t ensure they were safely secured in a child restraint? Help and guidance is readily available either on line or at retailers of child restraints and booster cushions, to assist parents in ensuring children are safe to travel.”

PC Rich Farrar is one of the officers taking part in the campaign, and said: “Support in the campaign and engagement with the parents I believe will help promote child safety to parents”.