A bid to shut a country lane to vehicles has moved to the next stage after Hertfordshire County Council accepted a petition signed by more than 1,300 people.
Campaigners want to see a section of Little Green Lane in Croxley Green closed to traffic which residents say will improve safety for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.
Locals, including Liberal Democrat councillors Margaret Hofman and Dominic Sokalski, also believe shutting the road will help stop fly-tipping.
At a full council meeting on Tuesday, councillors unanimously approved a motion to produce a detailed report into closing Little Green Lane to motorised traffic.
This will allow the petition to progress to the next stage, with costings and the type of barrier to be assessed.
Three Rivers district councillor Hofman, who presented the petition, said after the meeting: "We are delighted – and I’m sure so are residents - that the council has agreed to our request.
"This narrow rural road is used by hundreds of residents for pleasure and daily exercise. It is not suitable for motorised traffic use, yet cars use it freely causing a danger to children, cyclists and horse riders.
"Traffic levels have increased in Little Green Lane and a greater number of vehicles have been using, or attempting to use, the unpaved road. It unfortunately has also led to it becoming a regular site for fly-tipping. Without action now, this beautiful part of Croxley Green risks being damaged irreversibly.
"We again thank residents for their support. We will continue to work hard to support Hertfordshire County Council to have this implemented without delay."
The petition calls for sections of Little Green Lane between Sarratt Road and Little Green, and also further up towards Lincoln Drive.
The Lib Dems say they want the road to be shut in the same way nearby Rousebarn Lane was closed in the 1990s.
The petition says there would be exceptions such as for farm traffic and emergency vehicles.
Cllr Sokalski has previously said the closure he and his colleagues are seeking would not directly affect the access point to any potential development at Killingdown Farm in Little Green Lane.
Plans for 160 homes have been appealed after Three Rivers District Council rejected a proposal in the summer.
Related: Plans to refuse 160 homes at Killingdown Farm appealed
It also emerged this week the county council has plans to relocate Breakspeare School in Abbots Langley to the former Durrant School playing fields in Croxley Green.
This land in Croxley is bordered by a section of Little Green Lane which campaigners want to see closed - although its unclear where the council envisages access to the new school if the proposal goes through.
Related: Breakspeare School in Abbots Langley could be relocated to Croxley Green
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