Drivers will have to put children in restraints and seat belts where fitted, from next month or face stiff penalties. One in 10 children under 14 years in Northern Ireland still travels in the back of cars without being safely belted in, and according to the Minister for the DoE, David Cairns, 'we all know that this is putting children's lives at risk'.

He said this week: "Most parents make sure they put very small children into baby seats. But, as children get older, some are put straight into adult seat belts, which are just not suitable. Some don't even bother using a belt at all.

Mr Cairns reminded older children and adults also that, in most cases where seat belts are fitted in buses and coaches, they will have to be used.

"Coaches and buses are among the safest forms of travel available. We are now making it safer. From Tuesday 27 February, where seatbelts are fitted on coaches, passengers aged 14 years and over will be required to use them.

The new rules will mean that in cars and goods vehicles, children under three years of age must always be carried in a baby or child seat appropriate to their weight. Children aged three to 12 and under 135 cm (whichever occurs first) must use a booster seat or cushion, and children over 135 cm must use a booster cushion or adult seat belt.