CHILDREN under 4ft 5ins tall will have to use a proper child restraint while travelling in a car under new legislation coming into force within the next two weeks.

Bury Council's Road Safety Unit is supporting the legislation, sending out leaflets to all parents through primary schools to highlight the change in law.

From September 18, children aged three to 11 will no longer able to wear adult seat belts and will have to use appropriate restraints and a booster seat until they either reach 135cms in height or the age of 12. Taller children and those aged 12 and over must wear an adult seat belt.

The new rules are aimed at preventing more than 2,000 child deaths or injuries every year and drivers found not using the correct child restraint will face a £30 fixed penalty notice or up to £500 if the case goes to court.

Other changes state that all children aged under three years old must use the correct child seat restraint when travelling in a car or goods vehicle, except in the rear of a taxi if a child seat is not available, and rear-acing baby seats must not be used on front seats where there is an active airbag.

Councillor John Byrne, executive member for environment and transport, said: "This is an important change to the law regarding seat belts for children - having your child in an incorrectly fitted seat increases their risk of injury.

"When you are buying a car seat, you need to get professional advice to show you how to fit the seat properly."

More information on the new child restraint laws is available at www.bury.gov.uk/bury/roadsafety