REFERRING to the question "are trains safe" answered by Messrs Semmens and Herschel; surely the question should be "are trains as safe since privatisation"?

We have always known that trains are safer than other forms of transport. D J Semmens statistics would have had some relevance if he had quoted figures relating to the seven years before privatisation and the subsequent years as there is a strong belief by the travelling public that the situation has deteriorated.

Mr Herschel appears to believe this is the case but failed to support his allegations by quoting statistics based on facts.

There is little doubt amongst ex-railway engineers that the discipline which existed in BR days of nationalised railways no longer exists and without that level of discipline the service cannot be regarded as safe to the same degree as previously.

Sufficient to say I still feel safer on trains than driving on the motorways.

Joe Jones,

Rawcliffe Drive,

York.