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Forces shun child car seat fines Forces shun child car seat fines
(about 7 hours later)
Three police forces in England are choosing not to issue fines to drivers who break new laws on child car seats.Three police forces in England are choosing not to issue fines to drivers who break new laws on child car seats.
The rules, which came in last September, state children aged under 13 and less than 4ft 5in tall must use booster seats. The rules, which came in last September, state children aged under 13 and less than 4ft 5in (1.35m) tall must use booster seats.
But forces in North and South Yorkshire and Greater Manchester said they would not be fining offenders.But forces in North and South Yorkshire and Greater Manchester said they would not be fining offenders.
Safety campaigners said it was "a matter of life and death" and police must use their powers of enforcement.Safety campaigners said it was "a matter of life and death" and police must use their powers of enforcement.
We want people to concentrate on the more weighty things South Yorkshire PoliceWe want people to concentrate on the more weighty things South Yorkshire Police
A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said no fixed penalty tickets had been issued since the legislation's introduction, partly because it was impractical to gauge youngsters' height at the roadside.A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said no fixed penalty tickets had been issued since the legislation's introduction, partly because it was impractical to gauge youngsters' height at the roadside.
He said: "We don't have the powers to measure children and request dates of birth. It was particularly aimed at minors, and that was the sticking point."He said: "We don't have the powers to measure children and request dates of birth. It was particularly aimed at minors, and that was the sticking point."
Their reluctance is shared by colleagues in South Yorkshire, who have also not issued any penalties relating to the offence.Their reluctance is shared by colleagues in South Yorkshire, who have also not issued any penalties relating to the offence.
A spokesman said: "Operation staff have taken a conscious decision to avoid fining the public for what is considered a minor infringement.A spokesman said: "Operation staff have taken a conscious decision to avoid fining the public for what is considered a minor infringement.
"We want people to concentrate on the more weighty things. It is about dangerous people, drink-drivers and drug-drivers. In general, patrol people have just been giving advice and it has been pretty well received.""We want people to concentrate on the more weighty things. It is about dangerous people, drink-drivers and drug-drivers. In general, patrol people have just been giving advice and it has been pretty well received."
'Less pressing concern''Less pressing concern'
In Greater Manchester, officers have not prosecuted anybody for failing to comply with the child seat rules - but rejected suggestions they were ignoring the law.In Greater Manchester, officers have not prosecuted anybody for failing to comply with the child seat rules - but rejected suggestions they were ignoring the law.
Supt Alan Greene, of the force's road policing unit, said: "The law is extremely difficult to enforce.Supt Alan Greene, of the force's road policing unit, said: "The law is extremely difficult to enforce.
"Where a parent has made a genuine attempt to restrain their child but there is no booster seat then we would advise the driver that this is what is needed."Where a parent has made a genuine attempt to restrain their child but there is no booster seat then we would advise the driver that this is what is needed.
"Our main concern is that people in cars wear seat belts - and if they don't they will be prosecuted. This is a less pressing concern that we offer advice to motorists on.""Our main concern is that people in cars wear seat belts - and if they don't they will be prosecuted. This is a less pressing concern that we offer advice to motorists on."
Tough lineTough line
However, most forces said they would issue fines to drivers caught ignoring the law.However, most forces said they would issue fines to drivers caught ignoring the law.
Among those taking a tough line is Cleveland, which has already issued 49 penalties relating to the offence.Among those taking a tough line is Cleveland, which has already issued 49 penalties relating to the offence.
A statement from the force said: "Cleveland focuses its activity on children who are unrestrained in vehicles and on the driver who is transporting them.A statement from the force said: "Cleveland focuses its activity on children who are unrestrained in vehicles and on the driver who is transporting them.
"We also concentrate on those motorists who persist in allowing children to travel on another passenger's knee.""We also concentrate on those motorists who persist in allowing children to travel on another passenger's knee."
'Not minor''Not minor'
In Kent, officers have issued 28 penalties relating to the offence.In Kent, officers have issued 28 penalties relating to the offence.
Derbyshire has given out 17 tickets to drivers without booster seats and penalties have also been issued in Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire.Derbyshire has given out 17 tickets to drivers without booster seats and penalties have also been issued in Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire.
A spokesman for West Mercia Police said that a period of grace was given to motorists which ran out in January and now tickets would be issued.A spokesman for West Mercia Police said that a period of grace was given to motorists which ran out in January and now tickets would be issued.
A spokesman for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents said: "Education is an important part of enforcement but ultimately the police need to take action and use their enforcement powers.A spokesman for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents said: "Education is an important part of enforcement but ultimately the police need to take action and use their enforcement powers.
"This is not a minor infringement - it can be a matter of life and death.""This is not a minor infringement - it can be a matter of life and death."