A simple sign in a Canberra shopping centre carpark is highlighting the safety of children in the family vehicle.

The sign reads "Are Your Kids Safe?" and is part of an awareness programme being conducted by cargo safety barrier manufacturer, Milford Industries. The illuminated, six-metre long reminder sign is really getting the message across to the parents of Canberra's children.

Milford Industries spokesman, Henry Mercieca, said the response to the sign had been excellent and the two Milford agents in Canberra had already sold and installed cargo barriers as a result.

Parents who had previously been unaware of the danger of carrying shopping, strollers and other heavy items in station wagons not fitted with cargo barriers, had been prompted into action. Most of them had simply not thought about the potential danger, and others who knew about the product had thought they were designed to restrain dogs in the cargo area, according to Mr Mercieca.

"In reality, this is a safety barrier and it's as important as seat belts and airbags in accidents," he said.

Milford cargo barriers are available for most popular station wagons, such as Commodore, Falcon, Magna, Camry and Hyundai, as well as 4WD vehicles now used extensively for family use, including Pajero, Landcruiser, Prado, Patrol and Jackaroo.

Details of the Milford range of cargo barriers can be obtained by calling 1800 683 577

Visit the Milford website Click here