Parents urged to boycott second hand car seats to protect children (From Enfield Independent)

Parents urged by Enfield Borough Council to boycott second hand car seats to protect children

5:40pm Wednesday 10th October 2012 in News By Hermione Wright

Enfield Borough Council is urging parents to boycott second hand car seats for children.

The authority claims used sears can put children’s lives at risk as parents may not know if the seats have missing parts or have been damaged in an accident.

Cabinet member for environment, Councillor Chris Bond, said: "As a grandfather myself, I would strongly urge families don't buy second hand car seats, they may not fit properly in your car, be missing vital pieces, have been damaged previously and may not meet present safety standards.

"I know new car seats can be expensive but buying one that is undamaged, appropriate for your vehicle and suitable for your child is worth the money.

“You cannot put a price on the safety of a child and I'd urge mums and dads not to buy potentially dangerous second hand car seats."

The authority says buyers may not know if a second hand seat fits properly in a car, and the expiry date – which can usually be found at the bottom of the seat, may have passed.

The council will crush a number of second hand seats at Edmonton EcoPark in Advent Way from 11am to replicate how the seats would cope in an accident.