Police and Plunket were carrying out restraint check stops in Wanganui yesterday and discovered that most child car seats did not comply with legal requirements.
Wanganui Plunket car restraint technicians Sarah Murphy and Nicola Tunnicliffe found that many car seats were not bolted correctly in position and many of the European-made seats did not fit correctly into Japanese-made cars. The seats need an "anchor" bolt installed.
Veronica Fielsend, Manawatu/Wanganui car seat manager for Plunket, said it was about education rather than punishing people.
"We can help people get their restraints up to standard and refer them to a recommended fitter. We can also help with applications for Winz grants and we have seats for sale and rental ones with free installation."
The seats range from infant capsules to booster seats for children that comply with the child restraint law introduced last year. All children up to the age of 7 must be in a car seat or booster seat now.
Horizons Regional Council funded the cost of the checks and goodie bags, containing bolts and car seat accessories, were handed out to motorists yesterday.
Horizons Roadsafe co-ordinator Glenda Leitao said it was important to inform parents in the region about child safety. "It is our job to ensure everyone is as safe as they can be on the roads and parents often don't realise their seats don't meet the requirements."
People wanting to know more about car restraint compliance can call Wanganui Plunket on 0800 245 373 or check the Facebook page.