Sir — Robin Spokes recently wrote of his concerns regarding the diesel fumes emanating from the buses in St Clements.

He is right to be vigilant regarding this matter as numerous studies have shown that inhaling diesel fumes for one hour can dramatically increase the chance of suffering a heart attack.

It is a medical fact that these fumes cause inflammation of the blood vessels and cardiovascular problems as well as being unpleasant for the lungs.

In the light of these health worries, it is very unwise of the county council to embark on a program of inserting extra bus lanes in Headington shopping centre, and thereby ensuring that the fumes will be much closer to the hapless shoppers.

Headington also has a larger than average pensioner population and I feel that it is very inconsiderate of the Conservative county council to expose the elderly to any additional health risks.

In the light of these medical findings, I urge the county council to reconsider this injurious transport strategy.

Susan Thomas, Oxford