Some of the most picturesque drives in the English countryside could soon become car-free zones after local councillors took drastic measures against clogged up roads.

Cumbria Council has taken the unpopular step of banning cars from the popular Great Langdale stretch of the A591 near Ambleside, with enforcement vans patrolling the road looking for any vehicles that don't move, or are parked up. Those vehicles which don’t abide by the rules will be hit with an instant £30 fixed penalty notice.

Local authorities in the Lake District have to strike a balance for tourism, knowing that without a car, many of the most scenic routes are inaccessible, but with too much traffic a leisurely drive can quickly become a frustrating experience.

The Lake District attracts 19 million visitors a year, but a shortage of parking options means many are forced to park by the side of the road, comprimising the effects or emergency services.

“We have had situations in the past where firefighters have had to make their way to a grassfire scene on foot as their engine could not make it down,” said Keith Little, local councillor and cabinet member for highways and transport.

“But our infrastructure was not designed to deal with that number of people.”

The local authority have investigated a number of options to ease the pressure and improve parking options, including shuttle-buses and even park and sail schemes across the famous lakes.

“We’re working with partners, communities and landowners to look at the best options to get people out of their cars and consider alternative ways to move around the park,” a spokeswoman said.

“Last summer we successfully trialled a shuttle bus service at Wasdale and Buttermere, supported a discounted service at Ullswater, and park and sail at Keswick.”

Sell or part ex your car today