County's first quiet lane.

Work is due to start next week on the creation of the first of a new style of "communal highway" or Quiet Lane in County Durham.

Pontop Pike Lane, an unclassified rural road in Derwentside, is to be made a "quiet lane" which walkers, cyclists horseriders and motor vehicles will all be expected to share with equal respect for each other's right to be there.

The hope is that they move will improve travel choice and make existing country lanes better for local people. Pontop Pike Lane was one of five routes in Derwentside chosen as possible locations to pilot quiet lanes in County Durham.

Public consultation confirmed there was widespread support for the idea, but the pilot scheme was scaled down after more detailed discussions about the chosen routes.

Coun Sonny Douthwaite, Chairman of the Council's Highways Committee, said "We've decided to go with just the one to begin with." He added: "Quiet lanes are an innovative way of seeking to manage traffic in the countryside. They're also about encouraging people to walk more as a healthier mode of transport."

Engineering works, such as signs and cattle grids, will be carried out to achieve the quiet lane objective of creating a safe and attractive environment for road users other than the private car.