Claims that a rural road is being used as a Grand Prix race track have prompted calls for it to be turned into an access road.

Councillor Tim Knowles says that despite a reduction in the speed limit, livestock are still being killed and injured and there is unnecessary wear and tear on the road from commuters using Cold Fell Road as a cut through.

The 8.5 mile road connects Ennerdale Bridge and Calderbridge and is “ridiculously overused” claims the county councillor for the area.

Mr Knowles is calling on Cumbria County Council’s highways team to restrict its use to access-only, to prevent commuters to Sellafield - and in the future Moorside - from using it.

He said: “The number of users are likely to be increased at a time when the government is cutting the money for road maintenance, especially for a road that’s classified as a ‘minor road’.

“Enough is enough.”

Mr Knowles continued: “Despite really positive attempts to get respect for a driving code on fell roads, livestock are still being injured and killed and this beautiful corner of the Lake District used as Grand Prix track for crew buses and workers’ cars.

“It is time for action. The road receives next-to-no funding in comparison to the use it gets.

“The county council’s constantly reducing highways budgets cannot sustain keeping the minor roads around Cold Fell in an acceptable state to carry what will be an ever-increasing burden of Sellafield/Moorside traffic.

“As there is absolutely no sign of improvement, I will be looking to find a way for these roads to be redesignated by the county council for restricted use, access-only and therefore not available for Sellafield/Moorside commuting.”

Cold Fell Action Group has long-campaigned for a safer road and, in 2011, saw the speed limit reduced to 40mph.

The group’s chair Bob Jones says speeds have fallen and the number of accidents involving livestock have reduced.

Sellafield Ltd – a founder of the Action Group – also points to a reduction and adds that it “encourages workers to drive in a safe and courteous way”.

However, Mr Knowles insist the situation is still problematic.

He will be taking his proposal forward to the council’s Local Committee for Copeland.