HIGHWAYS chiefs are to experiment with a new type of thoroughfare - which could be described as a cross between a road and a footpath.

Work could start early next year on the creation of the first of a possible network of quiet lanes which walkers, cyclists, horse riders and slow-moving vehicles could use.

Talks between Durham County Council and Derwentside District Council have identified possible locations to pilot the initiative.

Talks are also being held with district councils in Teesdale and Wear Valley with a view to extending the schemes into the dales.

Durham council's lead cabinet member for travel and transportation, Councillor Bob Pendlebury, said a similar scheme was being tested in Norfolk.

He said: "Not every road will be suitable for converting to a quiet lane.We will be looking for country roads where the speed and volume of traffic is already low and where nearby alternative routes are available on to which even more traffic could be easily diverted.

"Low cost and low visual impact engineering works - like special signing, gateway entry treatments and rumble strips - would be carried out to achieve the quiet lane objective of creating a safe and attractive environment for road users other than the private car.

"Although they will be open to walkers, cyclists, horse riders and traffic, no one group will have priority over another. Safety is dependent on the mutual co-operation and awareness of users."

Coun Pendlebury said the ideal quiet lanes would complement public right of way networks to extend the choice of circular walks and link in to longer routes, to appeal to cyclists and horse riders.

Further talks are to be held with the police and district councils to ensure the safety and suitability of potential routes.