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NEW CAR SEAT LAW

Some important new legislation relating to child car seats came into force last month. It is the responsibility of the driver of the vehicle to ensure that all youngsters under than twelve or shorter than 135 cm use the right restraints in vehicles. There are some exceptions for back seat passengers but in reality these only apply to licensed taxis and private ‘for hire’ vehicles. It should be stressed that private hire in this case does not refer to the insurance classifications of your vehicle. On this basis there are no exceptions for funeral vehicles other than a general exception applying to all vehicles where a third child can travel in the rear unrestrained if there is only room for two booster seats.

In reality there is little difference with this new legislation from the current driver responsibility to ensure that passengers wear seatbelts at all times. Having said that we do appreciate that not all members will wish to purchase booster seats and would instead prefer to ask a family to provide and fit a booster seat for their child. We would urge members to consider putting a simple disclaimer form in their estimates covering the subject of child safety in funeral vehicles although we would stress that no disclaimer can rid the driver of his overall responsibility to the passengers in his or her vehicle.

We would also urge members to ensure that when arrangements are made with a family the numbers and ages of any children going on the funeral need to be specified in advance of the funeral. Full information about the changes can be accessed at www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk. For members without access to the Internet we can happily supply a printed copy of the guidance leaflet.

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