I’ve just come back from a wonderful holiday in Spain with my 2 year old daughter (more about that later!). We hired a car from a company called Gold Car (located outside the airport).
After sorting the paperwork, we headed for the car. We tried to install the car seat we were given (as it is the responisibility of customer), but soon realised it was a death trap. Even when the seat belt was strapped around the seat, there was no way it was secure. If we had been involved in an accident, it might have well have been sitting freely.
There was no way I would have put my daughter’s life at risk in this seat and we were prepared to head back to the airport to find another company. The unhelpful assistant did disappear around the back of the office and eventually reappeared with another. This one was much better and did fix securely.
According the Gold Car‘s terms and conditions car seats must be authorised/approved. There was no way the first one was fit for use.
I’ve had no experience with other car hire companies regarding car seats. However when speaking to friends this does seem to be a universal problem (even with the bigger companies). Car seats should meet certain safety requirements.
It is totally irresponsible for car hire companies to give parents car seats that are a safety hazard. It scares me parents could unwittingly be putting their children’s lives at risk.
