POLICE 'should be applauded' for cracking down on rat-runners despite facing a backlash from drivers, the boss of the force's federation has said.

Craig O'Leary, the chairman of the Thames Valley Police Federation, said the threat of fines dished out on a problem street in Marston showed the force were responsive to people's concerns.

The local neighbourhood team have been warning drivers caught using the access-only road as a cut through to avoid the roadworks in Headley Way.

After the operation was reported in the Oxford Mail, dozens of readers got in touch to nominate other roads across Oxfordshire that would benefit from similar action.

At the same time, the force were criticised for wasting resources and told they should concentrate on 'more serious offences.'

READ AGAIN: The road where drivers are fined for using short cut 

But Mr O'Leary has defended the actions, saying: "It is the local neighbourhood policing team - they are there to serve the needs of the local neighbourhood.

"If they are being told this is a big problem in the area, it is right and proportionate to take the action they feel is appropriate.

"There will always be an element of the public that will criticise but perhaps some may well applaud them for taking action on an issue that has clearly caused consternation."

Meanwhile readers have continued to name more roads where rat-running is seen as a problem.

Further suggestions have included:

  • Bayswater Road in Barton
  • Quarry Hollow, Headington
  • Crescent Road, Cowley
  • Croft Road, Marston

But reader David Harvey, who lives in Upper Heyford, said the closing off of through roads has placed too much pressure on major routes.

He said: "How many residents living in these roads actually use other 'rat runs' on their journeys? I bet most of them have."