Council plans to get lorries off country lanes

Buckinghamshire Council hopes to reduce HGV traffic through villages such as Chearsley

A scheme to move lorries away from villages and country lanes and back on to major routes is up for discussion.

Buckinghamshire Council is proposing a new "freight zone" to reduce HGV traffic in the area south of Waddesdon.

It set up the county's first zone in the Ivinghoe area last year.

The council said there would be an exception for vehicles travelling to destinations within the zone, which runs between the A41 and A418.

The proposed freight zone stretches between the A41 and A418

Steven Broadbent, Buckinghamshire Council's cabinet member for transport, said: "Our aim is to significantly reduce traffic on local roads by preventing HGVs from passing through, to ensure they take more appropriate routes."

Vehicles more than 7.5 tonnes would be affected by the restrictions, but deliveries and collections from local businesses and homes would be exempt, as well as farm traffic and buses.

Mr Broadbent said: "We're committed to making Buckinghamshire a more sustainable and pleasant place to live, work and visit.

"If implemented, the Waddesdon Freight Zone will help to reduce the impact of HGVs on the community, and address concerns about road safety and air quality."

The public consultation runs until Saturday, 17 February.