Sir – Regarding the idea of an Oxford Rapid Transport System, researching the Oxfordshire Local Transport Plan 2011-2030 (LTP) makes for some interesting reading.

It basically talks of increasing and improving the bus network, promoting “Premier Bus Routes” on one hand, reducing congestion and improving air quality on the other, a possible contradiction? However, chapter 13 paragraph 42 quote: ‘delivering a form of high quality “rapid transit” public transport serving park-and-ride sites and major employment and housing areas’. Another document Carbon Reduction Policy, CBR2 quote: ‘Oxfordshire County Council (OCC) will promote the use of low carbon forms of transport and associated infrastructure’.

So OCC has stated in its transport plan and local area strategy it wants a rapid transit system for Oxford city, a tram system fits their requirement perfectly. Is it OCC’s intention to implement its transport plan or is it just a discussion document? Action to relieve the congestion in and around the city is required now, not in ten years’ time.

Would Rodney Rose, councillor responsible for transport planning, care to comment?

M. Palmer, Witney