Plain speaking

Anyone who travels into Oxford from the east will know the (in)famous Plain roundabout, at the foot of St Clements, Cowley and Iffley Roads and giving entry to Magdelan Bridge. As a cyclist it is pretty scary, it's awful for pedestrians, and even motor traffic finds it confusing and frustrating.

The good news is that there is government money - nearly a million quid! - to make it better. And that the county council seem willing to at least consult local groups about how it should be improved.

There are issues - there's an old graveyard in the middle, and archaeological work would likely run beyond the 18 months funding limit. And whilst new zebra crossings would be great for pedestrians, they would slow cars - so who should have priority?

Whilst cyclists all seemed keen on a 'Dutch' solution, we debated hard about what this actually means - as you can see from this shot of Richard and Simon in full flow at this evening's well-attended public meeting.

Will the council have the vision and courage to radically improve this blackspot? Look out for me blipping a sparkling new, cycle and pedestrian-friendly roundabout in April 2015!