Sir – Held up by a crash on the A34 recently, when a lorry had flattened, but not crossed, a length of central reservation and no one was seriously hurt, we reflected on how different things could have been had this happened on the A34 between South Hinksey and Botley.

There is no crash barrier there, only intermittent bushes which would be turned to matchwood by a lorry; and in part, one carriageway is higher than the other.

As readers will know this is a very busy major trunk road, designated a Euroroute, as well as being part of the Oxford ring road. When the inevitable accident happens, if the road is busy, many could be killed or injured. Crash barriers are standard on new roads of this size and for good reason.

Surely we have moved beyond the time when human sacrifice is required before action is taken.

I have sent a copy of this letter to the Highways Agency to give them the opportunity to respond through your pages.

Peter Rawcliffe, South Hinksey