This is an interesting question because although it was a TV programme I wondered if it is illegal to carry a baby or child in a car without them being restrained as yesterday I was asked to give a lift to someone who has a 9month old baby but didn't have a car seat and I refused as I would never forgive myself if something happened to the child.
The person in question called a taxi and they were quite happy to take them even though the child was just sitting on the mothers lap.