The Strangford Assembly Member said: “I strongly welcome these tougher new laws and hope that they will help increase the safety of children travelling on our roads.
“This new legislation is long overdue. Its time that the police were given the laws they need to ensure that children as protected as much as possible whilst travelling.
“I am pleased that the police can impose fines and give drivers penalty points if they fail to adequately ensure the safety of young passengers.
“Drivers must protect our children or face the consequences. Any measures which help save lives on our roads is to be welcomed.”
ENDS