RURAL roads are set for an overhaul in the face of increasing traffic through countryside beauty spots.

Some roads linking the towns of Chesham, Great Missenden, Wendover, Tring and Berkhamsted could become 'quiet roads' for shared use by cyclists, walkers, horse riders and motorists under new plans.

The ideas form part of a pilot project set up by Buckinghamshire County Council, the Countryside Agency and the Chilterns Conservation Board.

It will create a shake-up of the rural road network through the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Shaun Pope, Chilterns AONB Transport Officer, said: "We are at the very, very early stages of a project to run for three years. It is going to be very much a community based thing."

The scheme, named the Central Chilterns Area Traffic Management Project, will target minor rural roads which are best suited for shared use without restricting the needs of farming and business users.

The project is one of the first of its kind in the country and project leaders hope it will involve a high level of participation from the community.

A course of public consultation is now under way and will continue for the next few months.