Quiet lanes
About this service
Traffic in the countryside is rising quickly. As traffic levels grow it becomes less pleasant and more difficult to walk, cycle and horse ride in the countryside. The traffic also affects wildlife, verges and the tranquillity of rural lanes. However, some quieter country lanes remain.
The Quiet Lanes initiative is helping to preserve country lanes and make them more attractive for cyclists, walkers and horse riders, whilst maintaining essential access by motor vehicles for local residents, essential services and businesses.
The Countryside Agency introduced the idea of Quiet Lanes several years ago. It is a new transport initiative that sets out to tackle transport issues in rural areas such as the Pewsey Vale.
The aims of the Quiet Lanes Network are:
- To encourage walking, cycling and horse riding on the Quiet Lanes Network
- To encourage considerate driving on the Quiet Lanes Network
- To preserve the character and tranquillity of the Quiet Lanes Network
- To encourage less car use on the Quiet Lanes Network
- To maintain essential access.
The Pewsey Vale Quiet Lanes Network has been chosen to help preserve this area of natural beauty for all residents and visitors to enjoy. Wiltshire Council is working with North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Beauty (AONB) to help maintain the tranquillity and character of the area.
The first phase of the Quiet Lanes project in the Pewsey Vale was successfully implemented in 2003-04. A period of monitoring has subsequently followed which has indicated that the first phase of the project has resulted in little reduction in vehicular traffic speeds or measurable increases in the number of pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians using the designated Quiet Lanes. On the basis that the development of the Quiet Lanes scheme is very resource-intensive, and has delivered little in terms of tangible benefits to the public in the short term, the Council has decided not proceed with the second phase of the scheme but to continue to monitor the effects of phase 1.
Last updated: 29 April 2009