Public Transport in London

[silverbac]

UK law seems very clear on travelling with children, however it does not cover travel on london buses, trams or tubes whilst there are some very grey areas on exemptions with taxis/minicabs & coaches & the prospect of having to carry a childs car seat in addition to child, strollers & other clutter is unachievable & there is clear guidance about the length of time a baby should be in a child seat per day.

Does anyone have experience of this & where it stands in relation to current legislation.
Short Journeys defined in miles or time or based on the police or courts perception...?
Using a taxi in london with a 0-3 year old?
Without a seat belt if they're under 3?

www.gov.uk/child-car-seats-the-rules/when-a-child-can-travel-without-a-car-seat

You don't need a child car seat in a taxi - the journey length doesn't matter

You don't need a seat in a bus or tube. You hold a small child or keep them strapped in their buggy.

It is technically legal to use a taxi for a small child without a car seat, but I wouldn't. It's a loophole for convenience's sake and for emergencies and isn't safe.

Most of the time it's quicker and easier to use public transport with children in London anyway.

Yes I read that part previously, however this seems idiotic & irresponsible to be so prescriptive elsewhere & completely ignorant in this area? Crash tests are conducted up to 30 mph to meet the regulatory standard & taxis never have crashes?

I'm not sure what you're trying to say..?

The taxi (& emergency) loophole is basically so that if you're stuck or need to rush a child to hospital in an emergency, etc, you won't get busted for breaking the law. But if you know you are going to be using a taxi you should book one with a car seat or bring your own. Travelling in a taxi without a car seat for a small child is not something to plan to do.

But generally in London there's no need to take taxis anyway. You can just get around with public transport, especially if you have a sling for smalls.

When I used black cabs with a toddler (not often) I kept them strapped into their buggy for the journey. Same for on tubes and buses as much as possible although buses are difficult when they're busy so being able to collapse the buggy and sit a small child on your knee helps.

I wouldn't support you if you campaigned to make car seats compulsory on taxis or the tube, OP. I think that's what you want to know.

It does sound bonkers if you want to campaign for seats for children or seatbelts for adults on the tube or buses or trains.

Absolutely not my intention. Just wanted some clarification on 'Law' & best practice as it seems to be ultra specific in some areas & completely up to interpretation in others.

Again, I have not intention on campaigning for anything - just looking for some previous experience from other people on how & what they have done & do on public transport/london travel etc.

Not sure why people think I'm about to start a campaign for compulsory additional legislation - not exactly helpful answers...

The transport system in London is fab imo.

You seem to have a weird issue with it, can I suggest that you get in touch with TFL for clarification on whatever has made you so annoyed?

FYI you don't take a car seat on a bus or a tube I mean FFS you know that though don't you.

What would you even attach a car seat to on the tube, or a bus for that matter