Letter: Seat-belt safety

Sir: No, the bus and coach industry does not resist the installation of seat belts on the grounds of expense, nor because they are technically difficult to install (report, 18 February).

There are technical problems, but the industry has justifiable concerns as to the most effective safety systems to install.

All that is needed is government-led research to identify the optimum system, and for the Department of Transport then to introduce the necessary regulations for construction and use.

The Bus and Coach Council has written to the Minister for Roads and Safety formally requesting such research. So far it has had no reply.

Yours faithfully,

DAVID WATSON

Director, Public Affairs

Bus & Coach Council

London, WC2

18 February