'Leaving' kids in car - illegal?

[Mij]

Is it illegal to leave children in the car alone? In any circumstances? Only over a certain time/under a certain age/in particular conditions (e.g. when you can't see the car/reach it within 5 strides/whatever else)?

I've heard it constitutes neglect. Is the person who told me correct?

Just had a bollocking from a very officious off duty copper who told me it is an offence to leave kids in car and it is a second offence to do it with the engine on. And before anyone shouts at me, it was for 2 mins while I collected an animal cage from the vet, on flat private ground, with electronic hamdbrake, i had full sight of the car all the time, keys in my hand. Left engine on for air con while baby sleeping.

Any country that makes it illegal for a parent to leave a 5yo in a locked car for a few minutes (as some law enforcers appear to believe is the case), but allows the parent to give that 5yo alcohol in private, seriously needs to re-examine its attitudes to parenting and children's welfare, to be frank. Is the UK really that silly?

yeah, you can wallop your children but not leave them sleeping happily in a nice cool car. nice work, england.

I know this is long gone thread but where do we stand legally. Just found out DH left 6yo and 3 yo in car other day and bit furious at his stupidity, popping for petrol yes but not 20 minutes. AIBU?

I know this is an old thread it I'd really like a bit of backing here. Getting an absolute ear bashing off my partner. Yesterday I left my 2yr old (asleep) and my 5 year old in my Audi A8 which has pretty much unbreakable double glazed security glass, also has a setting to arm the alarm and lock the car so the children a free to move about inside without the alarm going off. Tinted back windows so no one could even see them in the back. Electronic parking brake was on and can only taken off by applying the foot brake. It was a cool day overcast and I ran in to grab a few items out of sight but gone for no more than 5 minutes max.

I have just been in a situation where as a parent and security officer I was asked by a manager at the store where I work told me to stand by a car in which there were 2 young children in it. I was told to tell the parents when they got back that we had received complaints about it. I didn't know the legality of the situation so I did what I was told and reminded the mother that with the type of people in the area that maybe she might reconsider this in the future. She agreed and said that she will not be doing it again.

It is all at the total discretion of social workers as we rightly don't have ages for these things. Some children are iditos at 15 and others can manage 4 younger siblings as well as their mother can. So parents decide what is appropriate but woe betide you if the authorities choose to take a dislike to you or your family set up as they have massive power.

We love excusing ourselves. Makes it easier to live with doesn't it.
Would you leave your phone in the car? No!
Your child is the most precious thing in your life. ANYTHING could happen and a young child WILL suffer from anxiety. They don't know how long you're going to be. ANYTHING could happen to you making it impossible for you to get back to the child.
Neglect is a despicable condition to subject a vulnerable and trusting child to. Shame on you.

50 years ago every shop in the village would have a row of prams with kids in lined up outside.

Zombie thread people, started in 2010!