Previous checks have shown car seats were not fitted properly

The initiative in County Durham will focus on improving bicycle safety and the correct use of child car seats.

Figures show 355 children under 16 were casualties on roads in the force area last year and 40 of them were killed or seriously injured.

Road policing unit head Chief Inspector Paul Goundry said 32% of child casualties were in the summer holidays.

Durham Police casualty reduction officer Pc Dave Nixon said: "The onset of the school holidays is likely to mean more trips in cars for lots of youngsters and all of them should be carried in an appropriate seat, correctly fitted, to ensure their safety.

Protective head gear

"Previous checks have shown about 80% of child car seats were dangerous, improperly fitted or inappropriate for the vehicle."

Drivers can have their children's car seats checked at a safety clinic in the Sainsbury's car park at the Arnison Centre, in Durham, between 0930 BST and 1200 BST on Thursday.

The force is also urging children to wear helmets when they go out on their bikes.

Mr Goundry said: "Youngsters on bikes aren't just injured on roads and wherever they are riding, be it road, park or garden, they should wear protective head gear.

"Even without the involvement of another vehicle they can become unseated and sustain a serious head injury as a result of a fall."

He said young children should be supervised when they are on their bikes, and parents should make sure they are on well-maintained bikes.