Proactive dealers could be set to profit from a change in the law this month regarding the use of child car seats.

New legislation came into effect on Monday, September 18, that requires drivers to ensure that all children under 12 years, unless 135cms or taller in height, use an appropriate car restraint, booster seat or booster cushion when travelling in a vehicle. The booster seat must be suited to the child’s weight.

Sue Robinson, director of the National Franchised Dealers Association, says this could be an opportunity for aftersales departments to make a quick accessory sale or simply enhance their customer relationship.

She adds: “We’re very keen to encourage professional fitting, that’s the important element in terms of safety, so that’s where there is a very big opportunity for dealers.

“If the customer is buying a car and has a family, that’s an opportunity to offer them a child seat, or if they already have one to offer to fit it properly for them.

“Equally, if a customer brings for servicing their car with a child seat inside, dealers could offer to check that it is fitted securely.”