To report neighbour?

[andshewillbeloved]

Who also happens to be a childminder.

Twice in the last week I've seen her driving with her 2 year old daughter on her lap. I'm gobsmacked.

Private land or the public highway?

that's insane and almost unbelievable.
Who would you 'report' her to though?

Public.

How very odd. I suppose I think the hysteria around car seats is a little overblown - the risk of an accident is quite low, but driving with her on her knee must increase that risk substantially. I would call police and inform them. Up to them whether to follow it up.

Private land or the public highway?

What difference does it make ?

The first time I saw it happen was earlier this week (she also had 2 mindees) in the back. And today is the second. I don't know who to report it to but I feel really uncomfortable about it.

Social Services??

LurkingHusband

Legally none at all, but i wouldn't go out of my way to report someone toddling round at 5 mph, where there were no other vehicles.

I'd suggest both police and the appropriate childcare body for wherever you are- Ofsted, care inspectorate, etc

Couldn't you have a word first perhaps? She must have been driving very slowly for you to witness this. Such a shame if essentially the road is quiet and it would take a 'freak' event to cause any real danger, although yes it's technically illegal - the shame being it's a Bank Holiday and there could potentially be 4 other parents who need this childminder's services so that they can also work today. Is your childminder having a day off today too?

Why the fuck would she do that?!

I don't know about reporting, I'd probably say something to her instead.

I remember when I was younger a friend of mines mum used to ferry us and a few other kids about. Her car was tiny and we couldn't all fit so some of us sat in the foot wells. These were long journeys on duel carriageways too, not just popping to the shop...god knows what would have happened to us (and her prosecution-wise) if we'd been in an accident as this was after the rear seatbelt regulations were brought in....I suppose the police might give a warning and a wake up call but would they need proof? How do you think she would she react if you broached it with her first?

Police and OFSTED.

If she crashes the car with all those children in because she was distracted by the toddler on her lap you would never forgive yourself.

I can't believe anyone would be so stupid.

I followed someone who had a toddler standing in the footwear in the back, leaning between the front seats. I took the registration and called 101, they were appreciative and said they would send a letter outlining the dangers, then if they were seen/reported again they'd get in trouble.

I would just say something along the lines of "you know if the police see you, you'll get pulled over".

I saw once a child from year above dd doing that with his dad. Dad was in police. I just said to him. "can't believe you did that. The press would have a field day if anything happened."
He looked at me and you could see realisation dawning and said he'd probably lose his job too. He never did it again (and sort of thanked me a couple of years later)

Lurkinghusband I think some/most Road Traffic laws are not enforceable if they are on private land to which "the public" has no access. So I assume the OP's neighbour is committing an offence if she is doing this on a public road.

We had some people living by us a few years ago. The amount of kids they could get in a car was ridiculous. Not a baby seat or even a seat belt in sight.

Lurkinghusband I think some/most Road Traffic laws are not enforceable if they are on private land to which "the public" has no access. So I assume the OP's neighbour is committing an offence if she is doing this on a public road.

So things that aren't illegal are safe ?

Lurkinghusband Er....no. Where did I say that? You asked what difference it made, I told you. FWIW I wouldn't condone it anywhere, but I was merely answering your question.