It seems that the recent railway replacement bus accident near Lewes was sadly all too predictable (The Argus, March 3).

Time and again large doubledecker buses are sent down narrow country lanes, totally unsuitable for their size and the additional traffic generated when a rail replacement service is operated.

In addition, Saturday was a gusty day across the area.

Perhaps more seriously, why do rail companies contract companies which use vehicles not fitted with seatbelts? Had the vehicle been fitted with them, I have no doubt no injuries would have been sustained.

Thankfully no one was seriously injured with most passengers apparently walking off the bus to go and find another one.

Nevertheless, perhaps we need to use this unfortunate accident as an opportunity to reassess when a rail replacement service is operated, the stations at which the replacement service begins and ends and whether coaches fitted with seatbelts should be used rather than busses which are better suited to traffic in towns.

  • Martin Smyth, Hollingdean Road Brighton