TWO garages in West Devon have been offering free checks on children's car seats this week in a bid to reduce the large numbers of injuries on local roads.

Road safety officers, working alongside police and garage staff, spent Monday at Richard Walke Motor Services in Pixon Lane. Tomorrow, Friday, they will be at Liftondown Garage in Lifton, between 10.30am and 3pm.

They have been offering advice on suitable seats and techniques for installing them properly.

Previous checks have indicated a high percentage of car seats are not fitted properly and could prove dangerously ineffective in the event of a crash, said Devon County Council road safety officer Jeremy Phillips.

'Over the last three years there have been more than 100 children under the age of five injured as passengers in cars in Devon,' he said. 'This number exceeds the total injuries for this age group for all other modes of transport combined — including pedestrians.

'Young children, as car passengers, are at risk. A suitable, properly fitting restraint can help to minimise those risks.

'It's our aim during this week to provide parents with the information and guidance they need to make the best possible use of the equipment they have bought.'

For more information call the DCC road safety helpline 01392 382590.