WORK will start next week on County Durham's first "quiet lane" - a highway designed to be shared by walkers, cyclists, horse-riders and motor vehicles.
Pontop Pike Lane, an unclassified country road close to Leadgate, near Consett, has been chosen for a pilot programme to test the idea.
Highways chiefs say they hope the move will improve choice and make existing lanes better for local people who wish to walk, cycle and ride.
Councillor Sonny Douthwaite, chairman of Durham County Council's highways committee, said: "We've decided to go with just the one to begin with, and after we've monitored that to see how it performs, we'll look again at possibly extending the scheme.
"Quiet lanes are an innovative way of seeking to manage traffic in the countryside, including the speed of vehicles, and of encouraging people behind the wheel to respect other forms of transport."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article