Mum's desperate measure after young boy spotted on car roof

A Perth mother whose young son was filmed clinging to the roof rack on top of her moving car has taken preventative action to ensure it never happens again.

The four-year-old boy was spotted on top of the Holden Captiva on Friday on the Tonkin Highway between Camillo and Harrisdale in Perth’s south.

The mother has now removed the roof rack altogether from the car as it emerged she has been charged with dangerous driving.

Relatives have defended the woman, claiming she didn’t know her son was there.

The boy’s father says he has autism and is difficult to contain.

Relatives have also suggested that witnesses should have helped instead of filming the shocking sight as the young boy held on to the roof as the car allegedly drove at about 70km/h.

Child protection officers visited the family’s home on Monday but the woman’s children weren’t home.

Instead the mother told the media to “go away” as they waited outside her property.

The mother has been accused of endangering the four-year-old’s life, but will face only a fine of up to $3000 for a first offence.

“I can understand that people are concerned about that child’s welfare, as am I,” Child Protection Minister Simone McGurk said.

The boy’s father told Seven News his wife is distraught.

“Every time she sees the video she breaks down,” he said.

He said his wife was unaware that her child had climbed through an open window and onto the roof.

He also criticised witnesses, asking why no-one pulled in front of her to warn her, instead of filming.

The Department of Communities refrained from commenting on the case, saying only that it works together with police to provide a co-ordinated response, when the safety of children is of concern.