Despite Oxfordshire County Council approving a central barrier and a 50mph speed limit on Oxford's Eastern Bypass following the tragic accident in May 2005, it still intends to endanger the lives of those who use the A4142.

This is because the council is refusing to install a central barrier between Headington roundabout and Kiln Lane, even though current safety standards require one.

The council acknowledges that a central barrier would prevent not only a crossover accident, but would also prevent pedestrians from crossing the road willy-nilly.

The installation of a central barrier would have prevented the fatal pedestrian accident in 2004 as a result of someone crossing at an inappropriate place. Given the relatively low cost (£100,000), it is criminal that the council continues to refuse to install a safety barrier.

The council also acknowledges that the A4142 between Kiln Lane and Horspath Driftway suffers an above average number of accidents at night. The obvious solution is to install street lighting, but the council considers this too expensive.

How much does the council think saving a life is worth?

Everyone should remember that the council doesn't consider your life worth saving and, therefore, you should take care when using this road.

Barry Lovell, Ash Close, Faringdon