Legal Requirements and Safety Standards for Child Seats
In the UK, children normally need to use an appropriate child car seat until they are 12 years old or 135cm tall, whichever comes first.
However, special rules apply to licensed taxis and minicabs. If the driver does not provide the correct child car seat, a child may travel without one, but only in a rear seat.
- Children aged 3 or older must wear an adult seat belt.
- Children under 3 may travel in a rear seat without a seat belt if the correct child restraint is not available.
These rules are a legal exception for taxis and minicabs. They should not be taken to mean that using a child seat is unnecessary. An appropriate child seat can provide better protection for a young passenger.
Why Use a Child Seat for Minicab Journeys?
1. Additional Protection
Child car seats are designed specifically for younger passengers. A correctly selected and fitted seat can provide additional protection during sudden braking or a collision.
For this reason, we encourage parents to request an appropriate child seat whenever possible.
2. Choosing the Correct Seat
The correct child seat depends on the child’s height or weight, as well as the type of approved seat being used.
Height-based child seats must remain rear-facing until the child is over 15 months old. After this age, an appropriate forward-facing seat may be used.
Older children may use a suitable high-backed booster or booster seat, depending on the approved seat type and the child’s height or weight.
If you are unsure which seat your child requires, please tell us your child’s age when making your booking so that we can discuss the most appropriate option.
How Tony Cars Helps Families Travel Comfortably
At Tony Cars Minicab Service, we understand that travelling with children requires extra planning.
Child Seats Available on Request
You can request a child seat when making your booking. Please let us know your requirements in advance so that we can prepare the appropriate vehicle and equipment for your journey.
Providing this information when booking helps us organise your journey correctly.
Travelling With Your Own Child Seat
Parents are also welcome to bring their own child car seat.
Using your own seat can be helpful because you already know that it is suitable for your child. You are also familiar with how it should be fitted and used.
Please let us know when booking if you plan to bring your own child seat, particularly if you are also travelling with luggage, a pushchair or other large items.
Family-Friendly Minicab Journeys
We regularly provide pre-booked journeys for families travelling around Surbiton and the surrounding areas.
Whether you are travelling locally, to a railway station or to one of London’s airports, giving us accurate passenger, luggage and child-seat information helps us arrange a suitable vehicle.
Tips for Parents Travelling With Children
A little preparation can make your journey easier and more comfortable.
- Book in advance: Tell us about any child-seat requirements when making your booking.
- Give the child’s age: This helps us understand which type of seat may be required.
- Tell us about your luggage: Include suitcases, hand luggage, pushchairs and other large items.
- Check the seat before travelling: Make sure the child seat is correctly positioned and securely fitted.
- Bring your own seat if preferred: You are welcome to use a suitable child seat that your child is already familiar with.
- Ask before travelling: If you are unsure about vehicle space or child-seat options, contact us before your journey.
Child Seats for Airport Transfers
Child seats can be particularly useful for airport transfers.
Families often travel with several suitcases, hand luggage and a pushchair in addition to their child-seat requirements. Providing these details when booking allows us to arrange a vehicle with enough passenger and luggage space.
We provide pre-booked transfers to major London airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Stansted and London City Airport.
For an airport pickup or drop-off, please tell us how many adults and children are travelling, the children’s ages, how much luggage you have and whether you require any child seats.
Why Families Choose Tony Cars Minicab Service in Surbiton
Tony Cars provides reliable, pre-booked minicab journeys for families in Surbiton and surrounding areas.
We aim to make family travel straightforward by helping customers choose a suitable vehicle and arrange child-seat requirements before the journey.
Our services include:
- Local minicab journeys
- Airport transfers
- Station pickups and drop-offs
- Longer-distance journeys
- Pre-booked family travel
Planning these details in advance can make travelling with young children much easier.
Book Your Family Minicab
If you are travelling with children, please tell us your requirements when booking.
Let us know:
- How many adults and children are travelling
- The age of each child
- Which child seats you require
- How many suitcases and hand luggage items you have
- Whether you are bringing a pushchair
- Whether you plan to use your own child seat
With the correct information, Tony Cars can arrange a suitable vehicle and help make your family journey comfortable and well organised.
Tony Cars Minicab Service – reliable pre-booked travel for families in Surbiton and surrounding areas.