Sir – The farce that is presented as ongoing and interminable roadworks have no sense of urgency whatsoever. It appears as if the contractors are doing the bare minimum possible to be seen to do ‘some’ work.

The Oxfordshire County Council planning or works department clearly have no particular desire to see the job faster or there would be work on the Wolvercote roundabout all day, and on the Summertown roundabout, and on the approach roads at the same time (let alone double shifts or night shifts).

I am sure some observers might suggest this is harsh as ‘unseen preparatory works’ might be ongoing. I would reply that I oversee construction projects internationally and these unseen works seem to be invisible and have been going on for months without end...

I drive past the roadworks (or try to avoid them) twice a day and have done so since the works started in July.

Shame on the oversight management for not seeing the minimal and slow progress as a cost in time or stress for local residents and commuters for such a long time and trying to improve it. Shame on the contractors for not trying to do the work as quickly and efficiently as possible and show they are working to the best of their ability to over rather than under deliver.

But above all, shame on the council for allowing such lax terms of delivery. More signs and cones do not equate more or better work. Will the council planners ever learn and start to work for the people of Oxford?

Rob Whitty
Wolvercote