People are being warned not to become “lackadaisical” towards lockdown rules after roads have become “notably busier” this week.

Since the nationwide lockdown was imposed on 23 March, roads have been “considerably quieter” - but there are concerns that the public are starting to become complacent.

Ceredigion council said on Monday that “over the past week, roads have been notably busier with people moving around unnecessarily”, and urged residents to stay home.

Machynlleth councillor Michael Williams added: “Quite a few local people, including myself, on their daily exercise, noticed that there seemed to be more traffic this weekend than in previous ones.

"Virtually all the vehicles which passed while we were out exercising were occupied by people who none of us knew and therefore are highly unlikely to be residing locally on a permanent basis.

“It seems as though people are gradually becoming a little lackadaisical and venturing out more than they are supposed to.”

Aberaeron councillor Elizabeth Evans said: “People have been amazing during the lockdown, but there is no place for complacency.

“There was a general acceptance that Ceredigion was always going to be behind the curve and we must maintain social distancing.”

Cllr Williams said next weekend would have been the “highlight of the year” in Mach, as the comedy festival was due to take place.

He said: “It was cancelled to prevent thousands of people congregating here and potentially spreading the virus. For many of those people it would, possibly, have been their annual holiday away and I wonder how many of them will still feel inclined to travel here as had previously been their plan?

“Even if only a small percentage of last year’s 7,000 attendees were to do so it is still too many.”

Aberystwyth councillor Mark Strong has expressed concerns about visitors but also locals who are not following the rules.

He said: “I live within 100 metres of the sea. My children are begging to go into the sea and I’m sure I would be able to take them in safely, but the government rules say you’re not allowed to, and I fully support this. You cannot have all sorts of exceptions as it becomes a nightmare to enforce. But then you hear of people coming from 200km away because they feel they have an entitled right to go to the sea. The perception is that in some cases they are getting away with it.

“I do wish there would be some further guidance, things like the holidays homes. People are still coming here, police can send them back if they’re travelling but if they’re already here they can’t.

“I know people are getting hot under the collar about that, people who live here are obeying the rules but some people are using their money to get favourable circumstances for themselves.”