Sir – What better time is there than now to open the Oxford-Bicester-London Marylebone and the Oxford- Bicester-Milton Keynes rail links?
Petrol prices are at their highest ever and are likely to go on rising further. Yet, as Mr Fawcett (Letters, March 22) points out, there are further delays to the schemes, despite all the attention by the rail company to wildlife and engineering issues.
A public enquiry costing over £10m, which was held over a year ago, has had to be reopened. A 1,400-page report on bats has been produced, because 18 bats have been found in a 183-yard long tunnel, where trains have been running for years.
Another so-called serious objection, has been the effect of nitrous oxide from diesel emissions on sedge grasses near the line.
These emissions are far less than those from road transport for the amount of goods and passengers carried. Railways are an environmentally friendly form of transport.
A positive decision in favour of the new rail scheme will benefit commuters, create jobs and help reduce air pollution.
David Eldridge, (Research Officer), Railfuture, Thames Valley Branch
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