Hard-pressed parents preparing for the upcoming summer getaway are being urged to remember a simple safety check that could result in a hefty fine if forgotten. Whether it's a long drive to the coast, a trip to the airport, or a family day out, many journeys begin with a last-minute rush with a focus on packing the car, keeping children entertained, and trying to leave on time.

But experts say that amidst this chaos of getting away, one important check is often missed.

Under UK law, drivers are responsible for ensuring that children under 14 are properly restrained in a vehicle. Failing to do so can result in a £100 fixed penalty notice, which can rise to as much as £500 if the case goes to court. Data shows that more than 11,000 fines have been issued since 2022 for offences relating to child seatbelt and restraint laws, highlighting how common the issue remains.

Neil Hutchinson, owner of Essex car servicing company Mercury Car Centre, said many parents are unaware 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 has done their seatbelt up properly, especially if they're old enough to buckle themselves in."

"But all it takes is one belt that's twisted, not clicked in fully, or not fastened at all, and suddenly you've got a safety issue that could have serious consequences if something happens on the road."

Neil says the risk increases during the summer holidays when families spend more time travelling and children are often getting in and out of the car throughout the day.

He added: "Summer is one of the busiest times of year for family travel. You're stopping at service stations, picking up snacks, stretching your legs, and kids are constantly getting in and out of the back seats.

"It's really easy to lose track and assume everything's fine when everyone climbs back in. Taking ten seconds to turn around and double-check everyone's strapped in properly is one of the simplest things you can do to keep them safe."

While ensuring children are correctly restrained is the key legal requirement, Neil also recommends making use of safety features that are often forgotten about, including child locks on rear doors.

"Child locks are one of those things many parents switch on when their children are toddlers and never think about again, or sometimes don't use at all," Neil said.

"They're not a legal requirement, but they're there for a reason. On long journeys children can get restless, distracted, or curious, and it's worth making sure those extra safety measures are being used where they're available."

With roads expected to become busier as schools break up for the summer, experts are encouraging parents to add a quick child safety check to their pre-journey routine.

Neil continued: "Most parents would never knowingly put their child at risk. The reality is that these mistakes usually happen when people are busy, distracted, or in a hurry.

"The good news is that they're also incredibly easy to avoid. Before you pull away, take a quick look around the car, check every belt is secure, and make sure any safety features you're relying on are working properly. It takes a few seconds and gives you peace of mind for the whole journey."