02/06/2005
‘Inadequate’ child car seats criticised
Consumer watchdog Which? has warned that ten inferior child car seats, which it tested two years ago, are still on sale.
Which? said that three of the products are manufactured by Mamas and Papas – the Navetta Carry Cot, the Elan and the Passaggio – while Britax manufactures three others – the Cruiser Plus, Ranger and Trio. The others, which were deemed inadequate by the watchdog, were the Concord Trimax X-Line, Meggy Kombi, Storchenmuhle Starlight SP and Graco Junior Plus.
Which? said that although the seats all meet minimum legal standards – requiring child car seats to be able to withstand a 30mph crash – some would not offer adequate protection in a serious crash or were difficult to install, which could also increase the risk of injury in an accident.
Which? editor, Malcolm Coles, said: “We’re very disappointed that some of the seats we exposed as inadequate as long as two years ago are still on sale. We think simply making child car seats safe enough to pass the minimum safety test is downright irresponsible.”
However, Which? also found that both Mamas and Papas and Britax also made some of the safest child car seats on the market. The Britax Cosy Tot Isofix – the first Isofix seat for babies in the UK – was praised as being “the best of the bunch”. Which? said that Isofix seats are safer and called for them to become standard.
Which? also recommended Britax’s Duo Plus Isofix seat for children from 9kg and Mamas and Papas Pro Tec seat for those cars without Isofix. The best choice for children from 15kg was the Concord Lift Protect, the watchdog said.
In response to the Which? report, Britax said it was continuously improving safety standards and updating and replacing products. The company also said it was committed to on-going product development and improvement.
(KMcA/SP)
Which? said that three of the products are manufactured by Mamas and Papas – the Navetta Carry Cot, the Elan and the Passaggio – while Britax manufactures three others – the Cruiser Plus, Ranger and Trio. The others, which were deemed inadequate by the watchdog, were the Concord Trimax X-Line, Meggy Kombi, Storchenmuhle Starlight SP and Graco Junior Plus.
Which? said that although the seats all meet minimum legal standards – requiring child car seats to be able to withstand a 30mph crash – some would not offer adequate protection in a serious crash or were difficult to install, which could also increase the risk of injury in an accident.
Which? editor, Malcolm Coles, said: “We’re very disappointed that some of the seats we exposed as inadequate as long as two years ago are still on sale. We think simply making child car seats safe enough to pass the minimum safety test is downright irresponsible.”
However, Which? also found that both Mamas and Papas and Britax also made some of the safest child car seats on the market. The Britax Cosy Tot Isofix – the first Isofix seat for babies in the UK – was praised as being “the best of the bunch”. Which? said that Isofix seats are safer and called for them to become standard.
Which? also recommended Britax’s Duo Plus Isofix seat for children from 9kg and Mamas and Papas Pro Tec seat for those cars without Isofix. The best choice for children from 15kg was the Concord Lift Protect, the watchdog said.
In response to the Which? report, Britax said it was continuously improving safety standards and updating and replacing products. The company also said it was committed to on-going product development and improvement.
(KMcA/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
05 June 2003
Report finds many child car seats inadequate in severe crash
A report commissioned by European consumer groups has found that many car seats are inadequate to deal with a serious car crash, as the statutory EU tests are not sufficiently rigorous. In a test of 20 child car seats, the consumer group report revealed that only a few were deemed good enough to be recommended as adequate in a 40mph crash.
Report finds many child car seats inadequate in severe crash
A report commissioned by European consumer groups has found that many car seats are inadequate to deal with a serious car crash, as the statutory EU tests are not sufficiently rigorous. In a test of 20 child car seats, the consumer group report revealed that only a few were deemed good enough to be recommended as adequate in a 40mph crash.
18 September 2006
New laws on child car seats comes into force
New laws requiring more children to use child car restraints have come into force today. Under the new legislation, children aged under 12 who also measure less than 135cm - 4ft 5in - will have to use the right child restraint when travelling in cars, vans and good vehicles.
New laws on child car seats comes into force
New laws requiring more children to use child car restraints have come into force today. Under the new legislation, children aged under 12 who also measure less than 135cm - 4ft 5in - will have to use the right child restraint when travelling in cars, vans and good vehicles.
27 February 2004
Poorly fitted child car seats costs dozens of lives a year: report
Around two thirds of all child seats are fitted incorrectly and basic mistakes by adults when fitting child seats can kill and injure hundreds of children a year, even in low speed crashes, a report by the AA Motoring Trust has claimed.
Poorly fitted child car seats costs dozens of lives a year: report
Around two thirds of all child seats are fitted incorrectly and basic mistakes by adults when fitting child seats can kill and injure hundreds of children a year, even in low speed crashes, a report by the AA Motoring Trust has claimed.
14 April 2004
Lack of proper car seats puts children at risk, DfT
Thousands of children are being put in unnecessary danger as many parents are still not using the appropriate car seats, new research from the Department for Transport (DfT) has found.
Lack of proper car seats puts children at risk, DfT
Thousands of children are being put in unnecessary danger as many parents are still not using the appropriate car seats, new research from the Department for Transport (DfT) has found.
20 January 2012
Over 28,000 Extra Train Seats Agreed
An extra 28,000 train seats between London, Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow could be made available daily, according to the Government's latest tender.
Over 28,000 Extra Train Seats Agreed
An extra 28,000 train seats between London, Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow could be made available daily, according to the Government's latest tender.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.