POLICE in Petersfield are warning that they will be carrying out a road safety campaign during the summer term to check that school children are wearing seatbelts in cars.
They warn that they will be looking closely at safety issues concerning the carrying of children unrestrained in cars during picking-up and dropping-off times at local schools.
Regular checks will be made close to schools during the busy times to monitor the situation and take action against offending drivers.
Police point out that action can also be taken against the children themselves, if they are over 14 years of age.
The law relating to seatbelts is that children under three must use child restraints in the front and back seats and the responsibility is down to the driver.
Children aged between three and 11, or those under 5ft travelling in the front or back of the vehicle must use a child restraint if available or an adult seatbelt. Again the driver is responsible.
Children aged 12 to 13 or those over 5ft tall must wear a seat belt, if available, whether travelling in the front or the back.
Other passengers must wear seatbelts, if available, travelling in the front or the back of the car and the responsibility to do so is theirs.