11,000 UK drivers fined £100 over passenger rule | UK | News
Father and children packing the car on vacation (Image: Getty Images)
Struggling parents gearing up for upcoming summer getaways are being urged to remember a simple security check that could result in a hefty fine if forgotten. Whether it’s a long drive to the beach, a trip to the airport, or a day out with the family, many trips start with a last-minute rush focused on packing the car, keeping the kids entertained, and trying to get out on time.
But amid this flight chaos, an important check is often overlooked, experts say.
Under UK law, drivers are responsible for ensuring that children under the age of 14 are properly secured in the vehicle. Failure to do so may result in a fixed penalty notice of £100; This amount can rise to up to £500 if the case goes to court. Data shows more than 11,000 fines have been issued since 2022 for offenses related to child seat belt and restraint laws, showing just how widespread the problem is.
What causes eggs to turn brown when Sainsbury’s stops selling them?
Neil Hutchinson, owner of Essex car service Mercury Auto CenterHe said many parents don’t realize that responsibility ultimately falls on the driver.
He said: “When you’re trying to get everyone out of the house and onto the road, it’s easy to assume your child is properly buckled up, especially if they’re old enough to buckle themselves.”
“But all it takes is a belt that is bent, not fully seated, or not fastened at all, and suddenly you have a safety issue that could have serious consequences if something were to happen on the road.”
Neil says the risk increases during summer holidays, when families spend more time traveling and children get in and out of the car frequently throughout the day.
He added: “Summer is one of the busiest times of the year for family travel. You’re stopping at service stations, grabbing snacks, stretching your legs and the kids are constantly moving in and out of the back seats.
Is your child securely attached? (Image: Getty Images)
“When everyone climbs back up, it’s really easy to lose track and assume everything is fine. Taking ten seconds to go back and double-check that everyone is properly strapped in is one of the simplest things you can do to keep them safe.”
While proper restraint of children is a key legal requirement, Neil also recommends using often forgotten safety features, including child locks on rear doors.
“Child locks are one of those things that many parents turn on when their kids are little and never think about it again, or sometimes never use it,” Neil said.
“It’s not a legal requirement but they’re there for a reason. On long journeys children can become restless, distracted or curious and it’s worth making sure these extra safety measures are used where possible.”
With the roads expected to get even busier as schools go into summer holidays, experts are encouraging parents to add a quick child safety check to their pre-trip routine.
Neil continued: “Most parents would never knowingly put their children at risk. The truth is that these mistakes often happen when people are busy, distracted or in a hurry.”
“The good news is that they’re also incredibly easy to avoid. Before you move off, take a quick look around the car, check that each seat belt is secure, and make sure the safety features you rely on are working properly. This takes a few seconds and gives you peace of mind for the entire journey.”
