WITH our over-used road system, efforts have been made and suggested in reducing traffic volumes.

One way was to encourage rail use, but this is not helped by fare increases year after year above inflation.

One explanation given is that extra money is required to modernise the system. Here one queries the time and cost of programmes such as the relaying of the line between Kidlington and Bicester, and between Oxford and Kidlington.

The four-and-a-half miles between Henley and Twyford was original laid in broad gauge, but between 9pm on March 24, 1876, and 8am the next morning, this was taken up and relaid in standard gauge. Even with modern machinery, we in some ways have not made much progress.

DEREK SHERWOOD
Henley Road
Sandford