YOUR recent report of the ‘Connecting Oxfordshire’ workshop held at County Hall missed out a few things of importance.

First, the possible use of the Cowley rail line which currently only has about two trains a day serving BMW is an exciting prospect for eastern Oxford. This would be even more useful if properly upgraded in both directions as it would offer rapid passenger transit which would help to reduce road traffic.

Secondly, whilst Ian Hudspeth as county council leader stressed the importance of achieving a ‘modal shift’ towards walking, cycling and increased bus use, a lot of road scheme proposals being suggested appear to be about traffic moving faster. This is not what many cyclists or pedestrians would want within Oxford. Slow traffic speeds are desirable to encourage vehicles to avoid already congested areas.

Thirdly, there were serious gaps in responses to some questions from the public.

The traffic impact of the Northern Gateway housing proposals is apparently unknown.

Uncertainties suggested about housing growth under higher interest rates in the future, and the continuing impact of rising fossil fuel prices, have not been factored into the county council’s thinking at all, it would seem. In practice, those elements of existing rail and road enhancements dependent upon public funds may well go forward.

However, those dependent upon private sector funding may well prove difficult to implement given very limited enthusiasm of developers to fund public infrastructure, and limited obligations upon them to do so.

Dr Hazel Dawe, Oxfordshire Green Party, Bulan Road, Oxford

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Today’s letters