What are the laws relating to children and car seats when booking a taxi abroad?

(TRAVPR.COM) UK - April 13th, 2015 - Travelling abroad with young children can be at best difficult and at worst a nightmare but thousands of parents still choose to do this every year.

This year one Airport Transfer company , Speedy Transfers , has reported to be seeing a considerable increase in enquiries regarding whether children need car seats or can they travel without them ?

The answer is so complicated that even different suppliers in the same country often give different information , with some companies having no equipment to facilitate the request should it be made.

In Spain it is , as in all EU countries, a legal requirement to have the appropriate car seat for the age of the child but a taxi can be exempt from this as long as the child does not travel in the front of the vehicle. But it does not stop there . Different areas within a country may have their own local regulations.

So what do you do if the only way to get to your hotel is to pre book a taxi?

Speedy Transfers recommends that you should always contact the transfer supplier prior to booking to get the latest up to date information for the destination that you will be travelling to. Ask if there will be a cost. Some suppliers will provide these free of charge, whilst others will have a fixed payment. Some suppliers may even stipulate that car seats are on request only and that you have to take 'pot luck' on arrival.

If you are really concerned,taking your own car seat is an option but remember this may be part of your luggage allowance.

One thing is certain, child safety in cars is as important when you are on holiday as it is when you are at home.  Don't be lulled into that holiday feeling that says 'it will be OK we are on holiday' Do your homework before you book your transfer and get your holiday off to a safe and happy start.

###