We wish to answer the points raised by Kevin Bence about the Gatwick Express (Letters, January 23).

Firstly, he is wrong to suggest the Express is of little consequence to Brightonians, many of whom commute to London and often experience undesirable levels of overcrowding, especially after East Croydon. The Express must stop at East Croydon and relieve this overcrowding.

Secondly, yes, Thameslink does not serve Victoria but serves the same London-Brighton line until East Croydon. The Express accounts for 33 per cent of London-Brighton line train movement, yet ferries just eight per cent of the lines passengers.

Furthermore, it runs at below 50 per cent capacity and thus certainly does affect Thameslink, leaving it at least 30 per cent overcrowded and many Brightonian commuters without seats.

Thirdly, yes, many season ticket holders can use the Express at no extra charge. Perhaps Mr Bence is prepared to tell thousands of daytrippers: "To travel on the Express for no extra charge, please buy a £150-£300 ticket monthly or a £1,500-£3,000 ticket yearly."

Fourthly, he says the Express is not designed for commuting.

However, it is certainly designed to take twice as many passengers than it currently does.

Also, Thameslink and Southern - not designed for mass luggage transportation - carry many Gatwick passengers, which adds to overcrowding.

The only way to avoid this is to spread the passengers out.

Fifthly, we did ask for a name change if the Express was to stop at East Croydon.

-Councillors Ted Kemble, Ann Norman, Ken Norman, Brian Oxley, Conservative councillors, Brighton and Hove City Council