A Parliamentary bill that will make it easier to film in Hertfordshire is one step closer to becoming law.

The Filming on Highways Bill was given a second reading in the House of Commons yesterday.

The bill, which is being promoted by Hertfordshire County Council, Elstree Studios and Hertsmere MP James Clappison, will make it easier to close roads in the county for film and TV companies.

The bill, if passed, will allow film companies wishing to close a road to apply for a film notice from the county council, closing the road for 24 hours with a period of 24 hours notice.

The bill also makes provision for a film order, which has a longer period of notice, will enable a particular stretch of road to be closed for a maximum of six seven day periods a year.

Drivers who attempted to use a closed road would be issued with fines.

The bill would also allow the council to authorise objects such as static film cameras, lighting rigs or camera trucks to be placed on roads during filming.

Speaking to promote the bill, Mr Clappison described the importance of the film industry in Hertfordshire, which has five major film studios and, in December 2011, employed 3,200 people.

He said: "Film and television productions are facilitated if film makers are able to use out-of-studio locations in the many picturesque locations in Hertsmere and Hertfordshire.

"This bill will put the use of those localities and local roads on a firmer legislative footing and will have the effect of extending, with modifications, the existing powers of the highway authority to close roads for special events."

During the debate, MP for East Yorkshire Sir Greg Knight and MP for Christchurch Christopher Chope raised questions of the inconvenience caused to motorists and residents closing a street might cause, the only benefits of which would be for the film makers.

Mr Chope said the bill went "far beyond" a clarification of existing laws, which allows highways to be closed for up to three days, since it permitted a road to be closed for 42 days a year without compensation to residents and local businesses.

He added it risked upsetting the balance "between the interests and needs of local residents and the wider interests that might be served by closing a road."

Mr Clappison commented the residents of Hertfordshire were used to the inconvenience caused by filming and would be compensated indirectly since Hertsmere Borough Council owns Elstree Studios and tax payers would benefit from a thriving industry.

Speaking at the end of the debate, Parliamentary Undersecretary for Transport Stephen Hammond said the Government "wished the bill well", adding he had no objection to it moving through the House of Commons since it would enable the successful film industry in Hertfordshire to prosper.

The bill will now go through the committee stage, during which every clause will be rigorously examined and amendments suggested.

Speaking after the debate, Mr Clappison said: "I am very pleased it has got this far.

"It has not been opposed so far and I hope very much we can complete its passage as soon as possible as it brings great benefits for the film industry and the local community."