A passenger on a Brighton-bound FlixBus has described being left on the M23 after police stopped the coach and arrested its driver on suspicion of drug driving.
The account was published by The Guardian on Tuesday 22 September 2026. The article does not state when the journey happened, so it should not be treated as a live M23 incident or evidence of continuing disruption.
What happened on the Brighton-bound FlixBus
The passengers said they joined the Cambridge-to-Brighton service at Gatwick Airport. According to their account, the coach was already late, appeared damaged and left with its luggage hatch open. Police later stopped it on the M23 after reports of erratic driving.
The driver was detained on suspicion of driving under the influence. Passengers said they waited for around 90 minutes beside the motorway before police moved them to a service station near Brighton.
FlixBus told The Guardian that it had launched an urgent investigation with the coach operator. The company said it has a zero-tolerance policy on alcohol, substance misuse and dangerous driving, and thanked police for helping the passengers. It refunded the travellers and later made a £100 goodwill payment.
The passenger allegations have not been independently verified by Brighton Locals. FlixBus’s response confirms that an investigation was opened, but no outcome has yet been published.
What coach passengers can do after a serious disruption
- Immediate danger: call 999 and follow police or National Highways instructions. Do not stand in a live motorway lane.
- Keep evidence: save the booking reference, service number, times, screenshots, photographs and receipts for replacement travel or essential purchases.
- Complain to the operator: explain what happened, what it cost and what resolution you want.
- Escalate if needed: GOV.UK advises giving the operator 14 working days to respond before contacting Bus Users UK. Safety or wider compliance concerns can also be reported to the DVSA.
Passengers using Gatwick-to-Brighton coach services should check their operator’s live updates before setting out. For other current road information, see our recent report on the A23 Dale Hill overnight closure near Brighton.
Featured image: illustrative coach photograph by Jonathan Borba, used under the Unsplash Licence.
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