Sir – As Cumnor Parish Council were the instigators of the urbanisation and infilling of layby 245262 on Cumnor Hill, it is not surprising that they think it a good idea (Letters, April 9).

This is a small matter, but enlightening how local authorities work.

Highways relied on a mere two surveys of usage of the Cotswold Road bus stop, opposite the one in question, conducted by the parish council.

One was over one morning in 2007, when 18 buses passed, 12 with nobody waiting. and one in March 2009, 12 buses passed, seven with nobody waiting.

As in 2009 there was a third fewer buses recorded, it is unsurprising that there was a slight increase in usage, probably due to me.

Despite the scarce evidence the parish council were determined to put a shelter there, and hang the expense.

What was the expense? Highways do not know, they neither had a budget nor kept a record of cost. they think £3-4000 of our money, I guess double that.

There is no overtaking on Cumnor Hill so any vehicle trapped behind a bus will have to stay there, or take a chance.

It is ridiculous to claim that this is safer, but if people like Mr Hoddinott want to be consistent they will fill in all laybys.

Over half the stops on the hill have them, the Cotswold Road one has just been improved without a shelter.

Is it the plan to eventually abolish them all, in the supposed interest of ‘safety’, everywhere? If not, why not?

The same arguments made by Mr Hoddinott apply to them all.

Oh, and by the way, the shelter is useless, from it you cannot see the bus coming in time.

When people talk about delegating power down to local people, they should come to bus stop 245262, then think again.

Bill Leonard, Oxford