Under the Welfare of Animals (Transport) Order 1997, you must not transport an animal in a way that causes, or is likely to cause, injury or unnecessary suffering to that animal.It is also important that a dog is suitably restrained in a vehicle so that it doesn’t distract the driver or injure them if the vehicle stops quickly (UK Highway Code). The RSPCA therefore recommends that dogs are both secure and comfortable during transport.
Unfortunately that's only a recommendation rather than law. You still see dogs on people's laps in the front seat - I've even seen them on the driver's lap. They obviously don't realise what can happen to the dog in an accident when the dog becomes a missile.
My current dog's always either in her crate or on an Ancol travel harness plugged into the seat belt socket. I'd sooner be safe than sorry.
Hi, Thanks very much for that pepe63 ... it's exactly what I was looking for. In fact it's been a while since I first posted the question so I've been looking at ideas. I knew I wanted to secure her in a harness for her safety and ours (not loose anywhere in the vehicle nor in a carrier/cage which wasn't secured = it could fly about in an accident!) but most harnesses (like from the AA) fix into a spare seatbelt post, which we don't have. Just yesterday I realised that, as my son is a keen moutaineer, I could make use of sturdy carabiners to attach the harness to the anchor points immediately beneath the passenger seat = she would be between us (though slightly behind) on her bed, for which there's plenty of room. Your links have reassured me this is an OK solution.
Thanks to everyone who replied: our dog hates travelling which is a pity as, like fiz66, it would have been good to secure her travel harness so she could sit on the bed/sofa ... but it's at the rear, a long way from us. Whatamess's idea of the D-ring is what made me think of using sturdy carabiners! ... having looked at all ideas I've now got a plan (see above post). I'm a bit worried about DaveBeverley and his "4 nails" ... does he need some pschological help !!!!
A bit obvious but just bear in mind that the anchor points that you use, really need to be to the rear or at least in-line, of where your dog will travel.
If you're going to fix to the seat/seatbelt anchors(and the dog will travel "just behind you"),just be sure that you don't end up with too much "slack" strap in front them.
Personally,I'd also look at trying to use two anchor points,that are a little distance apart, that way it would sort of "trianglulate" things, so they couldn't swing about in an arc..if that makes any sense)
As for DaveBeverley and their "nails" idea...yes I agree, what a bodge!...anyone would tell you that self tappers or bolts would make a better job..
A bit obvious but just bear in mind that the anchor points that you use, really need to be to the rear or at least in-line, of where your dog will travel.
If you're going to fix to the seat/seatbelt anchors(and the dog will travel "just behind you"),just be sure that you don't end up with too much "slack" strap in front them.
As for DaveBeverley and their "nails" idea...yes I agree, what a bodge!...anyone would tell you that self tappers or bolts would make a better job..
Hi,
Yes I'd realised about the "slack" ... for info' for anyone else reading this post I plan to fasten the carabiners to the passenger door side of the passenger seat (at the base there's an ideal position) which leaves just enough "slack" for her to reach the centre of the two seats, with nothing to taffle herself round or chew, but not enough for her to come forwards and get in the way of the driver. Only downside is she can't see out ... but hopefully, once she settles more to travelling in a vehicle we can then move her to an anchor point where she can sit/sleep on the rear seats and see out if she wants to.
Now we've just got to talk her in to going to sleep quietly in her bed (a canvas carrier) even though we're in the same 'room'!
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Topic: How to restrain a dog in a MotorHome
) 
I'm a bit worried about DaveBeverley and his "4 nails" ... does he need some pschological help 
!!!!
Thank you all. 
