Pedestrians will start to formally take priority over vehicles in an Abingdon neighbourhood later this year.

Public notices have been published to turn Saxton Road, in south Abingdon, into a Home Zone area. Work - including the implementation of traffic calming, new parking arrangements to protect pedestrians and a 20mph speed limit - will begin in June and should be completed by September

The £500,000 scheme was approved late last year following a series of meetings.

Saxton Road has been selected by the Department for Transport as one of 61 Home Zone schemes nationwide. The plan has the support of the county, Vale district and Abingdon town councils.

County council spokesman Ben Fryer said: "We believe the scheme will increase safety and improve the environment in Saxton Road for all users. The scheme will reduce vehicle speeds and introduce community features with trees, landscaped areas and seating."

Another Home Zone scheme will be set up on a site off Radley Road, Abingdon. Nearly 40 of the 99 new homes to be developed at the site will be affordable, social housing.

Streets will be planned to reduce traffic to 10mph and parking re-organised. Instead of traditional garages there will be parking spaces, traffic calming measures, trees, benches and play areas.

Bob Rutherford, of developer KingsOak, said Home Zones were a common feature in many European countries - helping to generate a community spirit. Play areas will also be provided for children.

Mr Rutherford added: "Not only will the concept help the young, it will make life easier for old people and disabled people to walk in the street. In addition, the Home Zone idea helps to prevent the fear of, and actual, street crime."