SIR – There have been several items in the T&A regarding the so-called overcrowding on the trains provided by Northern Rail.

Having observed the travelling habits of the public, there is a large selfish element who insist on occupying as many seats as possible by spreading out their belongings (and that includes their feet) on unoccupied seats.

People may be wary of challenging this habit because of the risk of a hostile reaction.

Also, what happened to ‘flexi time’ to help people avoid travelling at peak times?

Michael T Leahy, Rowantree Avenue, Baildon