Buckinghamshire Council has confirmed the "active travel" trial scheme in Marlow will be made permanent.

The "quietway" trial was rolled out across the county, costing £514,000, in a bid to encourage walking and cycling.

The scheme is to encourage walking and cycling and help support residents’ healthy lifestyles and efforts to reduce their carbon emissions.

The majority of people who responded to the consultation were in favour of the scheme, with over two-thirds in support.

A short stretch of Trinity Road will continue to restrict vehicles, creating a car-free section providing access to local schools and towards the town centre.

The scheme will also be continued on the Southcourt in Aylesbury but the council has decided to reduce the number of restrictions on motor vehicles.

It will keep the segregated cycle lane and path for pedestrians and wheelchair users to provide a safe and vital link between Stoke Mandeville and Aylesbury and will be reviewed after 12 months.

The permanent changes are expected to create a quieter area for everyone, encouraging cycling and walking while still maintaining vehicle access for local residents and businesses in both towns.

Steven Broadbent, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “We are very grateful to everyone who has provided feedback throughout the trial schemes and during the statutory consultations.

“Active Travel Schemes aim to encourage residents to undertake more local journeys by foot and by bike. For example, on Trinity Road in Marlow we’ve seen a 45% increase in pedestrians and 12% increase in cyclists during the trial.

“Both schemes are also expected to improve local air quality and reduce traffic congestion."

Traffic Regulation Orders have been made as required legalising the proposed restrictions and measures to make these new route changes permanent.

The scheme will be made permanent in its current state, however, the bollards will be changed to a permanent alternative, and some additional signs will be installed.

The works are anticipated to take place in April 2022.