People on floats at this year’s Christchurch Christmas Parade must wear a seatbelt.

Mayor Phil Mauger mentioned the requirement, as a side comment, during a council meeting on Wednesday.

“Everyone that’s on a float has to wear a seatbelt ” he said.

Councillor Aaron Keown questioned the rule, saying, “If it was a street parade, I’d understand, but how does it work if you don’t have to wear a seatbelt on private land? It’s a huge expense.”

Councillor Tim Scandrett added, “Does anyone see the irony that you can hop on a bus and travel without a seatbelt, but not on private land?”

Parade Director Jason Reekers confirmed to chrislynchmedia.com that while not all floats required seatbelts, the rule applies to those needing additional safety measures.

“We have added seatbelts and safety poles to most,” he said.

“It was a bit of a shock. It was Safe and Sound Health and Safety that made the recommendations.

“Unfortunately, once a recommendation had been made it must be acted on, otherwise we will get the “I told you so” and be held to account if by chance anything did happen.

“We are very lucky to have such great support. Mike Fiddymont from Fiddymont seatbelts donated all the seatbelts and our sponsor VIP made and supplied all the safety bars at no cost to us” Reekers said.

“It just took time that we didn’t really have to fasten and install them all. We will be the safest Christmas parade in New Zealand now.”

The Christmas Parade is held at the Canterbury Agricultural Park and starts at 2PM on Sunday, with entertainment starting at 11AM.

The parade tradition in Christchurch began in 1947, founded by James Hay and originally named the Hay’s Christmas Pageant after his popular retail store, Hay’s. Over the years, the pageant underwent several name changes, becoming the Haywrights Parade and eventually the Farmers Santa Parade.

In 1991, Farmers Trading Company donated the parade to the city of Christchurch.