Sir — Imagine this scenario: the US government establishes the principle in the 1960s that people of all colours deserve equal rights. 'Whites only' signs on drinking fountains are removed.

But in order to appease a few unenlightened voters, the government still allows 'Whites only' signs to remain on the most popular drinking fountains.

Using urban public spaces without fear of injury or death is a more fundamental human right than using public drinking fountains.

Allowing motorists the privilege of operating their vehicles at 30mph in these urban spaces denies pedestrians' and cyclists' rights to use these spaces safely. The county has shown good sense in by embracing the principle that a 20mph limit is appropriate for Oxford's residential side-streets.

But their current 20mph proposal still leaves too many 'Whites only' signs out there; the busiest routes remain at 30mph because some folks think a blanket 20mph limit is 'unrealistic'.

If more cyclists and pedestrians were attracted to Oxford's main roads on account of slower motor speeds, perhaps cruising at 20mph in a car would feel less peculiar than it does at present along these roads.

In order to transform our transport system towards a just and rational one, the county council's proposal needs all roads within the ring road to have 20mph limits, not just the quiet side roads.

A blanket 20mph speed limit for Oxford is a cost/benefit no-brainer.

Today marks the last day that Oxfordshire residents can take part in a poll on the county's current proposal to exclude most of Oxford's busiest roads from the proposed 20mph speed limit for minor residential roads within the ring road.

Please make sure you lodge your views today on http://tinyurl.com/4jf43s

Ted Dewan, Oxford