HOW often have we written about the fragility of Oxford’s road system, with even the seemingly smallest of incidents causing widespread chaos?

And there is also the danger, because of the passage of time, that frustrated motorists believe the latest nightmare journey has to be the worst so far in so many years of commuting around the city.

But yesterday really took the biscuit with, shockingly, reports of almost three-hour journeys into Oxford from Witney.

That is not a hold-up. That is losing almost half a working day.

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It is believed yesterday was a “perfect storm” of problems – more roadworks starting in addition to those ongoing, a Monday morning, and, of course, the rain.

The honest and frank warning from transport head David Nimmo Smith is that there is no quick fix from the county council.

Oxford has always had traffic problems, but the past few weeks have appeared to have had more than the usual number of delays.

One theory is that the dreaded contraflow for the Kennington roundabout work was the tipping point where any ability for the road network to absorb even minor delays has gone.

It would be easy to blame the council and demand action.

But as Mr Nimmo Smith says, these works have to be done and done now.

There is the bigger picture that the aim is (hopefully) for a much-improved road system with fewer hold-ups because Oxford is on the cusp of some fundamental changes.

Just cling to that hope on your journeys today.

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