Cumbria Police are stopping drivers today to inform them of the new laws surrounding children's booster seats and seat belts.

This afternoon officers will be in Workington stopping and speaking to drivers to make them aware of the law and recent changes to legislation.

They will also be handing out leaflets containing the most important information.

The new rules apply to new child seats, and mean only children taller than 125cm and weighing more than 22kg can use a backless booster seat.

Previously, children weighing as little as 15kg could travel using a backless booster seat.

Cumbria Police said the new rules were due to come into effect this month, but have been delayed until March 2017. Those with existing child seats are unaffected.

The operation is being led by PC Laura Stewart.

PC Stewart said: "It is very important that parents fully understand the current laws regarding booster seats so that they don’t fall foul of the law and, most importantly, they are able to keep their children as safe as possible.

"The operation will be a great opportunity for officers to make parents aware of the changes."

As well as giving advice to drivers, officers will be also conducting, where appropriate, breath tests, as well as checking tyres and looking for drivers on their mobile phones or not wearing seat belts.

UK law states that children must use a child car seat until they're 12 years old or 135cm/4ft 5in tall, whichever comes first.

Safety experts recommend that you use a child car seat for all children under 150cm/4ft 11in.

Children under three must be in a child car seat.

Those flouting the law can be liable for a fine of up to £500 if their case goes to court.