The NZ Transport Agency Is Seeking Public Feedback On Proposed Changes To Child Restraint Legislation.

The proposed changes would raise the upper limit for the mandatory use of child restraints from age four (ie before a child’s fifth birthday) to age six (ie before their seventh birthday) while maintaining the requirement for children aged seven to use a child restraint - if one is available.

The aim of the proposed changes is to reduce preventable deaths and serious injuries to child passengers travelling on New Zealand roads. Children, because they are smaller and have a different body shape to adults, need additional seating equipment to keep them as safe as adults in a car.

At the same time the proposed changes are designed to expect families can reasonably meet these improved child safety measures.

The proposals are part of the Government’s action towards meeting its goal of bringing New Zealand’s child restraint laws in line with international best practice – as outlined in the Safer Journeys to 2020 road safety strategy.

The NZ Transport Agency is leading the public consultation, with submissions closing by 5pm on 3 April 2013.

For more information on this proposed amendment Rules, go to: www.nzta.govt.nz/consultation/child-restraints-amendment/index.html

ENDS

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