A ROAD safety organisation is calling for stricter penalties against parents who ignore child car seat regulations.

The Local Authority Road Safety Officers’ Association (LARSOA) says parents risking their children’s lives by failing to use a suitable seat is “tantamount to child abuse”.

Children less than 135cm (4ft 5in) must use a restraint appropriate for their weight following legislation in September 2006.

Parents who fail to comply can receive a £30 spot fine or £500 penalty if the case goes to court.

But LARSOA spokesman Simon Ettinghausen wants the fixed penalty increased to £60 with three points on an offender’s driving licence.

He said: “We want to see penalties increased as well as more education and advice for parents.

“We know many drivers remain unaware of the regulations, but it is their responsibility to carry child passengers safely and legally.”

David Warburton, senior road safety manager for Kirklees, said: “The change in the law has proved quite successful. It’s important that people are aware of the law.

“I don’t know if it’s a lack of awareness or deliberate, but it’s appropriate to fit correct safety seats.

“We need to raise awareness and Kirklees Road Safety has been doing this in schools and supermarkets.”