A ROAD is to be designated as a quiet lane if a proposal is approved by councillors.

Durham County Council wants to give the status to Pontop Pike Lane, near Annfield Plain, Stanley, as part of a pilot scheme.

Quiet lanes are minor rural roads appropriate for shared use by walkers, cyclists, horse riders as well as motorists.

They are intended to improve travel choice, quality of life and the strategic management of rural roads. They are also expected to benefit local residents and businesses as well as visitors.

Pontop Pike Lane was suggested for the status in a report by the council's acting director of environment, David Miller.

If approved, the lane would include entry gateways, speed control measures, such as rumble strips in the road, signing and visual road narrowing using different coloured road surfacing.

In January and February, the council asked people for their views through 8,000 leaflets, questionnaires and three exhibitions.

There was a ten per cent return rate, with 74 per cent in favour of the move and 11 per cent opposed.

But Durham Constabulary has expressed concerns about the proposal.

The force feels the routes identified suffer from traffic speeds that are inappropriate and there are too many vehicles using the lane.

A survey in October 2002 revealed that the average speed on Pontop Pike Lane is 26.5mph and there were 292 vehicle movements over a 24 hour period.

Police feel the changes would encourage more vulnerable road users on to the lanes and question whether enough is being done to provide the safest possible environment.

But Mr Miller said: "It is proposed that on sections where forward visibility is poor, an unbound stone path will be provided within the existing verge, where possible, for non-motorised users."

The matter will be debated by Durham County Council's Highways Committee on September 14.

"It is the purpose of quiet lanes to encourage greater usage by walkers, cyclists and horse riders and their increased presence is intended to improve safety.

"It is true that safety could be enhanced by increased signing and lining. This would semi-urbanise the appearance and detract from an otherwise rural environment.

"It is proposed that on sections where forward visibility is poor, an unbound stone path will be provided within the existing verge, where possible, for non-motorised users."

The matter will be debated by Durham County Council's Highways Committee on September 14.