On the march - but quietly! Photo: Glennie McIntosh)

The Pewsey Vale 'Quiet Lanes' network has been established to help protect the peace and tranquillity of this beautiful environment by encouraging residents, businesses and visitors to be aware of the popularity of walking, cycling and riding in the lanes, and to drive with extra care and consideration for who or what may be round the next bend.

Implementation of the network follows an extensive programme of research and public consultation that has been undertaken over the past 18 months.

Local people expressed concerns over increased traffic and speed levels in the area, and the associated environmental impact.

The network is marked with 'Quiet Lanes' signs and road surfacing, chosen in consultation with the North Wessex Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to ensure that the character of the area is retained.

Quiet Lanes- a sign of the times.

Phase one covers an area of 20 square miles and will be closely monitored through household surveys, traffic and speed counts.

Speaking at the launch, county councillor Fleur de Rhe-Philipe, cabinet member for the environment, said, "The aim of the project is not to ban cars from the area, but to encourage less car use and more alternative methods of travel such as walking, cycling and riding which actually enable people to enjoy the lanes to the full."

Those travelling in the Pewsey Vale area will see the Quiet Lane signs at the entrance and exit to the designated lanes, and are asked to support the initiative by being aware of the environment and driving with due care and consideration for other users, particularly vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, cyclists and horse riders.

The aims of the Quiet Lane's initiative are: