The plan to introduce the new rules, which will come into effect as of March 1 next year, was unveiled by the government on Wednesday.

Under the regulations, children aged between six months and four years will have to be placed in a rear- or forward-facing restraint, while those aged four to seven must be secured in a forward-facing or booster seat.

Phoebe Maroulis, a mother of twin five-year-old boys and a two-year-old daughter, said she thought the new regulations made sense.

“It is a good idea as long as the booster seats are not frightfully expensive and they (the Government) are clear on the guidlelines,” she said.

However, Mrs Maroulis believes that with some children being big for their age, it might be better to work

the regulations off a weight limit.

“It would help to make it a bit clearer for parents as well,” she said.

Mum of two Kelly Gleeson said while space in the car could become a problem for larger families, there were products out there to meet the demand.

“You can actually buy streamlined seats designed for multiple children families,” she said.

Mrs Gleeson said her five-year-old daughter Charlotte still used a booster seat and had only changed from using a full-forward facing restraint close to her fifth birthday.

“The Government should be commended on this decision,” she said.

“It’s about time.”

While parents have welcomed the decision, students in Year 2 at St Mary’s Central School have had mixed reactions.

About nine of the students still use booster seats, however, most of these are only used for long trips.

When asked what they thought the age limit for booster seats should be, half of the class thought five was old enough, while three students thought six was a good age, six voted for seven and only one thought children aged older than seven should be secured in the seats.

“I use my booster seat because I get car sick,” Regina Irwin said.

“I like sitting up high,” Kate Hannelly said.

Harriet Taylor was undecided if she liked her booster seat or not.

“I like it because it’s comfortable but at the same time I don’t like it,” she said.

Meanwhile Harry Powyer said he definitely did not like booster seats.

“They’re uncomfortable and we have a button in the car that locks the seatbelts anyway,” he said.