What does the law (UK) say about under 3 year olds on coaches?

Question

I'm taking my 2 year ol daughter on a 1 hour coach journey and I was wondering if I I should take her car seat? If it means I need to take it and struggle with the added baggage, I'd rather do that than her sitting with nothing.

Thanks in advance

Answer 1

she does not need to be sat in a car seat. she is not entitled to a seat of her own at that age which is why they do not charge for babies. she is expected to sit on your lap andfor you to protect her. if there is a spare seat then she can sit on a seat with her car seat but check with the comapny first that they have seat belts on the coach. they are supposed to but not all of them do yet.

Answer 2

There is no law governing children of that age on UK Passenger Carrying Vehicles (buses and coaches to the layman).

The operators of Passenger Carrying Vehicles will not charge for a child under 3 on the understanding that the chid sits on your lap. If you want the child to occupy a seperate seat with a car seat, then you will have to pay for that seat on the coach/bus.

I would speak to the operator of the coach/bus that you intend using.

Answer 3

Found this information for you, hope it helps ...

All passengers in a minibus (which is up to 2.54 tonnes unladen weight) have been required to use seat belts for some years. A child required to use a child seat or booster in a car must do so in a minibus only if a suitable one is available. A typical car child seat is not suitable for a typical minibus seat - which is narrower and less deep. A seat is not available if it is not suitable. As a general rule, therefore, the children will use the belts provided, which are typically adjustable. The operator is not required to provide suitable child seats.

The new rules do not yet apply in respect of children travelling in bigger coaches and buses, but they will be the same eventually as they are for minibuses.

Passengers in all minibuses/buses/coaches where seat belts are fitted must be notified that seat belt wearing is required by law.

Answer 4

For her safety I would just take the car seat no matter what the law and have piece of mind.