MAIL readers have their say after it was revealed Cumbrian children who refuse to wear their seatbelt on the school bus could face a travel ban under a safety crackdown. The suggestion was mooted by county council leader Stewart Young after hearing that some youngsters using council-funded services think wearing the life-saving precaution is “uncool”.

Melanie Gale said: “This makes me so sad! I was involved in a coach crash in 2006.... everyone survived as they were wearing their seat belts! The police expected fatalities but there wasn’t! It is simple they save lives!”

Michael Griffiths said: “The answer to making sure seatbelts are fastened and stay fastened is to have a teacher on every (private hire) bus/coach.”

Steven Greaves said: “We’ve had school bus crashes where kids were thrown out & minced under the overturned bus, would they still think its uncool to belt up after that?”

Peter Cahill said: “So to get a free lift to school, all you have to do is wear a seat belt... hardly a big ask is it. Cool rhymes with fool doesn’t it... good on the bus company on enforcement of seat belt wearing anyhow.”

Bernie Kerr said: “So would it be “cool” to get thrown out the window?”

Maureen Balding said: “Quite right too if one of those children were injured or worse those parents would be first to point the blame at the bus company if fact I think all and everyone on all public transport should have wear seat belts.”

Devonprince said: “Talk about sheep following sheep, this attitude amongst the youth of today that if something is considered ‘uncool’ (a stupid word anyway), they do not do something which is either to their benefit or is enjoyable, is way beyond my comprehension. There has always been a generation gap but today its wider than ever. To forego something which is common sense defies belief but I am always told the youth are our future, if so, I am glad I am not going to be around when that future arrives.”