I NOTICED that they are hoping to extend the science areas in Oxford, something I always thought that we should concentrate on.

In many ways Oxford has the benefit of good road connections both to the M4 and M40 via the A34. But, as we know, there is a serious problem here because, besides serving Oxford, this road is also a major connection between the south coast ports and the Midlands, leading to traffic congestion.

Suggested answers to this problem have been debated ad infinitum without any sign of a solution. One suggestion is to add extra lanes to the A34 or build a relief road to take the A34 clear of Oxford.

There had been hope that the electrification of the rail lines from the south would allow containers arriving at the south coast ports to be moved by rail instead of road, although I can’t see that that will help greatly. Hope seems to have evaporated with Government cutbacks to this programme.

I doubt if I shall live see the day when these traffic problems will be solved.

DERRICK HOLT
Fortnam Close, Headington