Previosly children weighing as little as 15kg (approximately the weight of a three years old) were able to travel in backless booster seats. The laws include dall children under 12 years of age or those under 135cm tall.

Under the new rules, newly bought backless booster seats will only be approved for use for children taller than 125cm and weighing more than 22kg (3st 6.5lbs). It only affects new products, not those already on the market. Parents can continue using existing booster seats for children under the minimum height without facing any penalty. The change to the technical standards means that the range of products available on the market are better suited for younger children.

While booster cushions are a belt positioning device, they are simply designed to lift a child up enough so that the adult seat belt restrains them correctly. They do not offer any additional protection.