Sir - I note from local radio that the city council is seeking feedback on their plans to introduce a blanket speed limit of 20mph across Oxford, except for arterial roads.

It is clear to me that the anti-car stance for which Oxford is widely known, has had a profound effect on the city over the past 20 years.

As a student in the late 1980s I remember Oxford as an attractive and upmarket town, sporting very tasteful and some exclusive shops.

On moving back to the county two years ago, I was shocked to see how it had changed.

The flagship House of Fraser store in the Westgate centre had been replaced by Primark. This I feel accurately reflects that change that has occurred in the town over these 20 years.

Across the town, upmarket shops have been replaced by fast food outlets or much less attractive stores.

Many may feel that these changes are for the better, however I would say that the anti-car policy has succeeded in changing behaviours, but not in the way which was expected.

Making it difficult to use cars does not make people take the bus into Oxford, it makes them visit shops in other towns, which are not so anti-car.

It is a shame to see a once beautiful city being forced downmarket by misguided, so-called 'green' policies, and as for the casualty reductions which may be brought about by the reduction in speed limit, a greater effect would certainly be seen by tightening up alcohol licensing in the city!

David Bosley, Cholsey