Sir – The whole point of the four-lane junction called Frideswide Square, according to its designer, county transport planner Roger Williams, was to hold traffic in queues. It was vociferously supported on this basis by all three main political parties on both councils at the time (1998), and when we Greens made objections we were told by that same Mr Williams that ‘the Greens time hadn’t come yet’.

Now as a Green I look at the current proposal for roundabouts, and recall that when this was briefly put into practice in 2000 it eased the traffic flow but was horrendous for pedestrians and cyclists, even more than the very many sets of lights at the junction now. The Greens’ view is that Hythe Bridge Street and Longwall Street should be closed to through non-disabled-using private traffic, creating a system where people could drive into and out of Oxford but not through Oxford on these routes. This would stop the problems associated with traffic congestion and pollution in the city centre, make the city far more safe and pleasant for pedestrians, wheelchair users and cyclists. If either council was committed to what they both say they are; ie environmental improvements and prioritising vulneable road users, they would seize this opportunity to limit traffic.

But it seems what we will get instead is increased traffic flows through this blighted junction, and increased misery for residents of Botley Road, Hythe Bridge Street, Worcester Place, Beaumont Street, St Giles and the University area.

Sushila Dhall, Green Party Parliamentary Candidate for Oxford East