Brits heading to Majorca have been warned they could face fines of up to £173 after one of the island's most picturesque villages introduced strict new driving rules. The historic town of Alcúdia, found on the northeast coast of the Balearic Island, has announced a major change to traffic in its medieval old town, turning the area into a pedestrian zone and restricting vehicle access.

Under the new rules, drivers who enter the restricted area without permission could be hit with fines of €200 (£173) as the local council moves to reduce traffic and protect the historic centre. The changes form part of a revived "Illa de Vianants" plan, which will transform parts of the old town and nearby areas into pedestrian-friendly zones. Authorities say parking will be completely banned inside the designated perimeter, while vehicle access will be tightly controlled. Only residents with garages, authorised vehicles and delivery services during limited hours will be permitted to enter.

Automatic semi-retractable bollards are set to be installed at four main entry points to the old town, including along Camí de Ronda where it meets streets such as Sant Jaume and Carrer d'en Serra.

The council will also introduce licence-plate recognition cameras to monitor which vehicles are authorised to enter the area.

Delivery drivers will also face strict rules, with loading and unloading allowed only until 10am. After that time, goods must be transported into the old town on foot.

According to the Majorca Daily Bulletin, Councillor for Police and Tourism, Joan Sendín, said: "The aim is to improve pedestrian safety, reduce traffic, and protect the historic centre's heritage, prioritising people over vehicles while promoting urban coexistence, quality tourism, and environmental sustainability by cutting emissions."

The driving crackdown comes as the charming walled town continues to attract growing interest from British tourists. Alcúdia Old Town, known for its cobbled streets, historic squares and medieval walls, has previously been named one of Spain's most beautiful villages and a hidden gem just 0.62 miles (1km) inland from the famous holiday resort of Port d'Alcúdia.

The town was founded in the 13th century and still retains much of its original layout, with ancient walls and Roman ruins nearby drawing visitors year-round. Last year, the village secured the top spot in the data published in a report by the organisation with Telefónica Tech, being named Spain's "most beautiful".

One of its visitors wrote on TripAdvisor: "We were on a short family holiday staying in Can Picafort, and as a day trip we went to the old town of Alcudia. The public transport service was fantastic and brought us directly at a very reasonable cost. The imposing walls and old gate of the city provide a sense of history and the importance of defence in the days gone by.

"Inside those walls we found numerous pedestrianised narrow streets full of shops with all types of colourful goods to entice the tourist to part with some money. We stopped for coffee and ice-cream and then again for a rest and a cold drink. It was a very enjoyable change to sitting by the pool, and there was ample opportunity to pick up a souvenir or two."