SIR,—Mr. Charles Wilson, is so anxious to damn those who
think differently from him by attaching the label of 'Philistine' to them that the logic of the Minister's proposals for Oxford has escaped him. Whatever decen- tralisation of shopping facilities is achieved, however many by-passes and intermediate roads are built, the geographical layout and the road system of Oxford will result in the university area of Oxford being swamped by traffic unless some restrictions are imposed. Serious restrictions cannot be imposed unless a central alternative route to the High Strcct can be provided. The Minister proposes the road through Christ Church Meadow because it is the only one which makes possible the closing of Magdalen Bridge and other restric- tions which will effectively keep the university area clear of all but neighbourhood traffic.
It suits Mr. Wilson to be cynical about the possibility of keeping Magdalen Bridge closed. He underestimates the public awareness of the great issues involved. A decision to close Magdalen Bridge in exchange for a Christ Church road would in fact be a major compact between city and university to secure a route for the essential traffic of the former and to give quiet to the latter. Such a compact would not be easily upset. Ministers may come and go, and city councils may change, but breaches of good faith in British public life should not be reckoned as a probability when framing policy. In a matter such as this it is a near impossibility.—Yours faithfully, F. V. PICKSTOCK 78 Sandfield Road, Headington, Oxford
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