Large lorries are to be permanently banned from travelling through a series of small villages to make it 'more pleasant' for residents.

A weight restriction has now been made permanent to reduce the number of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) travelling through Cheddington, Mentmore, Wingrave, Long Marston and Ivinghoe villages.

This means villagers will no longer have to put up with trucks trundling past their homes. 

Buckinghamshire Council introduced traffic regulations that prevent freight vehicles weighing more than 7.5 tonnes from driving through the area in an effort to improve road safety and reduce air pollution.

These regulations have been designed to minimise the impact of HGVs on residents and communities in the Ivinghoe area.

These new restrictions are the first of their kind in Buckinghamshire and will mean that HGV traffic will be prevented from coming off main roads to take a shortcut through the villages.

Signs have been placed around the area making this restriction legally enforceable.

HGVs that need to service commercial and residential needs in the area will still be permitted.

Steven Broadbent, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: "We're committed to making Buckinghamshire a more sustainable and pleasant place to live, work and visit.

"The approval of these new freight vehicle restrictions in the Ivinghoe area is an important step in that direction. We believe the zone will help to reduce the impact of HGVs on the community, and address concerns about road safety and air quality in the area.

“We’re proud to be leading the way in rebalancing the impact of HGVs in favour of residents within the freight zone, by keeping these vehicles on more suitable roads outside of the area.”

The Ivinghoe Freight Zone HGV restrictions are part of a pilot programme across five areas in Buckinghamshire.

The programme aims to create safer roads in local communities and make them cleaner and more enjoyable places.