An automotive sector representative on Tuesday welcomed the rule mandating children under eight to be in a safety seat or strapped in with some other restraining device, saying it provides much needed protection for children travelling in private cars.

Peter Goh, the CEO of the Hong Kong, China Automobile Association says there is currently no mandatory requirement for youngsters under the age of three to be restrained in any way in a car.

"This amendment actually makes it compulsory for all children up to the age of eight to use a [child car seat or restraint of some kind]," he told RTHK's Hong Kong Today programme.

"Now the rule is actually trying to make it better for child safety to ensure that all children are adequately protected while travelling in vehicles," he said.

Goh added that the government is trying to refine the rules and to bring Hong Kong more in line with international regulations.

However, Goh pointed out that the rule will not apply to children travelling on public transport.

"Unfortunately, public transport – buses and taxis – is generally exempted from this mandatory rule because of practical and logistic challenges."

People caught flouting the regulation once it comes into effect in November will risk a fine of HK$230, while "serious cases" could lead to court action and penalties as high as HK$2,000.