DO THE critics of the A40 works know what is involved in the early stages of construction (eg surveys, setting-out, setting up the temporary site infrastructure, ensuring all safety measures are in place, diversion of services, etc)?

These take up time and are not always apparent to a passerby.

With regard to working hours, why shouldn’t they finish work at a certain time as most people do? Why should they work at weekends and bank holidays? The local residents wouldn’t be pleased, I’m sure.

Also, seven-day working isn’t efficient in the long run because the workforce get tired and therefore work slower, and safety becomes an issue.

Even if it was seven-day working, this might shorten the time by about two months overall, which wouldn’t be obvious at this stage.

Do the critics also think that changing the Cutteslowe roundabout to traffic lights would be any quicker?

The examples of London Road and Windmill Road are irrelevant as the traffic levels are grossly, hugely different.

As for traffic cones along the A40 with no apparent work going on, this would be due to national regulations regarding the approaches to roadworks, to maintain safety for the workforce and public.

TREVOR DARKE