With film studios in Elstree and Leavesden already churning out blockbusters, Hertfordshire is rapidly gaining a reputation as Britain’s answer to Hollywood.

But a new act of Parliament could see that reputation cemented even further.

Hertfordshire County Council is leading a campaign to simplify the way film and TV companies can get permission to use the county’s roads.

According to a county council official, getting a road closure in Hertfordshire for filming can be a complex and lengthy process and in some cases is not possible because of legal constraints.

The bill would enable the council to close roads temporarily for filming and to issue permissions to place filming equipment on the highway for short periods of time.

David Lloyd, cabinet member for resources and economic wellbeing, said: "Our county is already a popular choice for film and television production.

"Securing this bill would make us one of only two counties outside of London who are able to give permission so swiftly and would give us a competitive advantage in this multi billion pound industry.

"I would like to thank Morris Bright , chairman of the board of directors, Elstree Studios, for all his work getting this project off the ground.

"Making the filming process easier in Hertfordshire will help us get even more economic and social benefits for all of our communities."

Mr Bright said: "Films have been made in our area for almost 100 years. Times change and so does the demand for film and television production with more work than ever before being filmed on location.

"So we need and want to make it as easy as possible for production companies to come to Hertfordshire and make use of our excellent studio facilities as well as our location settings which are second to none."