Some friends recently gave me this splendid photograph of roadworks taking place in St Giles, Oxford.

The workmen, including Doug Jeffrey in the centre, are installing a traffic island to separate the traffic lane at the junction of Banbury Road and St Giles.

I find the picture illustrates so much of the past which would not be allowed in this age of health and safety.

The white trestles and flags are the only protection for the workmen from passing traffic.

The date of the picture is not known, but the vehicles, including what appears to be a police Black Maria, indicate the early 1960s.

The moped rider alongside the van is not wearing a crash helmet which would be unlawful after June 1973.

It is interesting to note that the cement to secure the kerb stones is being mixed by hand shovels and transported with a wheelbarrow which must have added days to the task.

David Brown
Jordan Hill
Oxford