IN A letter from Ron Lewis, published on May 14, he incorrectly states that Oxfordshire County Council will be stopping cars using the Banbury and Oxford roads. I assume he is referring to publicity given to what is best described as a pre-election prank by Cllr John Tanner, which was given publicity by BBC Oxford.

To answer Mr Lewis’s questions in his first paragraph is therefore easy, and the “village idiot” identified.

The county council is the strategic Highway Authority and has no plans to prevent vehicles using two of the main arterial roads into the city of Oxford.

The county council is exploring using park and rides further out from the city centre, as it makes little sense for people to leave their cars and use a bus after driving on very congested city roads.

In terms of congestion, it does have to be recognised that one bus can take the place of up to 70 cars, so I am not sure that I accept the assertion that buses cause congestion, although I do go to Specsavers!

This argument also applies to pollution, and it must be added that the county council has gone to great lengths to support the use of hybrid buses. We have also brought in emission control for all buses in Oxford.

Finally, it is worth noting that all major road reconstructions, in and out of the city, are designed for 20- to 30-year lifespans, with design expecting a high usage by buses.

Cllr RODNEY ROSE
Deputy Leader, Oxfordshire County Council Chairman of East West Rail Joint Delivery Board
County Hall
New Road
Oxford