POLICE chiefs have launched a campaign to cut child deaths and injuries on the roads during the summer holidays.

Focusing on the correct use of child seats and improving cycle safety, the initiative was launched yesterday at the Arnison Centre, Durham.

PC Dave Nixon, Durham Constabulary casualty reduction officer, 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 the appropriate seat, correctly fitted, to ensure their safety.

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

He added: "If we bought a television set and had to carry it home in the car we'd pack it carefully, wrap it with something to protect it and tie it in with a seatbelt.

"However, in many cases our most precious possessions, children, are left to God and good neighbours."

Of the 335 children under the age 16 who were casualties on roads within the County Durham force area last year, 40 were killed or seriously injured.

Chief Inspector Paul Goundry, head of the road policing unit, said that 32 per cent of child casualties occurred during the summer holiday period.

This meant - based on the previous year's figures - that more than 100 children would become casualties during the coming break.

The scheme is also targeting young pedal cyclists.

Chief Insp Goundry said: "It's only natural that youngsters will want to be out on their bikes over the summer holiday, especially if the weather is good, and with a little thought and supervision there will be fewer casualties."

He said it was essential that cyclists wore safety helmets - fifty per cent of cycling injuries are to the head and 70 per cent of cyclists who die have suffered a head injury.

Chief Insp 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 headgear."

He said that parents should also ensure that their children were on well-maintained bikes, with brakes working properly and of appropriate size for their age and height. They should also get correct safety training.