I REFER to Rob Whitty’s letter complaining of the length of time, 16 months, it is taking to complete the roundabout fiasco in North Oxford.

The government is planning to fine local authorities that cause unreasonable delays when completing roadwork projects.

Here is a prime example of a highways authority that deserves a hefty fine; the only problem is that council officers are exempt from such penalities which will be taken from the public purse.

Every project the county council undertakes appears to be ‘planned’ to take longer than if a private concern were in control of it.

Compare that project with the new Barton estate alongside the A40.

Work there started after the Cutteslowe/Wolvercote project and yet the basic road network and sewerage system are well under way. It puts the Cutteslowe project to shame.

Does the county council factor in artificial delays with roadwork projects merely so that it can waste even more public money by erecting massive notices broadcasting ‘completed early’?

ALAN WOODWARD
Oxford