Sir - Having gone through the process of consultation, the county council transport decisions committee decided to implement the North Summertown Controlled Parking Zone. This was in direct contravention of the expressed opposition to the scheme by the householders and road users in question.

In a petition from eight of the roads affected, there were 335 against, and 36 supporting the scheme. For the county council to ignore this clear expression of public opinion, makes a mockery of democracy. It could largely explain the apathy and cynicism towards politics and politicians.

John Steane, Oxford