Proposed changes to the Wolvercote and Cutteslowe roundabouts, north of Oxford, which have long been the scourge of commuters coming into the city, are to be welcomed.


Though it is clear that no traffic modelling, however well-researched and accurate, will be able to tell with complete certainty how well the alterations will work until they are actually in place.
Transport campaigners have said that the use of traffic lights is sensible and the installation of crossings for cyclists and pedestrians will surely be welcomed by residents.


But it is with some trepidation that drivers will await the changes to one of the most congested parts of the city’s ring road.


The prospect of traffic lights and hamburger junctions at other roundabouts around the city were initially viewed with suspicion, but on the whole, as we have seen at other sites such as the Botley Interchange and at Headington, they have led to tangible improvements in traffic flow.


As one of our correspondents notes this week, Oxfordshire has seen prolific economic growth in recent years and that looks set to continue. The focus on Science Vale, and the prospect of thousands of new homes being built around the county means that an ever-growing population is unavoidable.


That, in turn, will put even more pressure on our roads, which at times are already stretched to their limits.


Consultation on the schemes is vital, but talk needs to be swiftly followed by action, before the county grinds to a halt.