In the event of another accident on Oxford's Eastern Bypass, where Keith Brooks (Oxford Mail, June 4) was severely injured and the young people tragically died, Oxfordshire County Council would undoubtedly face serious charges.

According to the Local Government Chronicle, five councils are facing corporate manslaughter charges after motorists died on roads said to be in a dangerous condition.

Issues being investigated include failure to erect a short section of a safety fence, inadequate drainage and inappropriate road surfacing.

Of particular relevance is a case in which a "woman was driving to Scunthorpe when she lost control of the vehicle and skidded across the central reservation before colliding with a light goods vehicle".

A spokesman for Humberside police said: "A file has been submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service and we are awaiting a decision on whether they will bring a charge of corporate manslaughter against the council."

A spokesman for the Government's Transport Research Laboratory explained: "We are aware that the police are considering corporate manslaughter charges in some cases. There is a need to be aware that this course of action is an option for police forces as detailed in the road deaths investigation manual".

HARRY LANDON

Inott Furze, Headington, Oxford