Research carried out by Trading Standards has found that on average, 8 out of 10 children’s car seats are not fitted properly. In light of this worrying statistic, free child seat tests will be available in Hackney during March.

Hackney Trading Standards, in partnership with local police will be offering the free tests to parents and carers of young children from 10am to 3pm on Friday 7 March and Friday 14 March. The tests will be held in Tesco car park on 55 Morning Lane, E9 6ND.

Cllr Alan Laing, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods said: “It’s absolutely vital that children’s car seats are fitted properly. 40 children are killed each year in Britain because of poorly fitted child car seats. Child seats are a key safety device, which can reduce the chances of a child being injured or even killed in a car accident, if properly fitted.

“Parents and child carers should also be aware that they will face a £30 on the spot fine for not securing children properly in cars. Or they could end up in court with a face a fine of up to £500.”

Experts will be on hand to offer in-car safety advice and answer any questions as well as check seats are properly fitted at the drop-in testing days. No prior booking is required. For further information on the events or child car safety generally, please call the Trading Standards team on 0208 356 4929.