Record number of parking notices issued as thousands flocked to Dorset beaches

A record number of penalty charge notices were given to drivers yesterday, as nearly half a million people flocked to beaches across Dorset.

More than 1300 parking notices were issued by the council's parking teams in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

The towaway service ran late in to the evening, as 15 vehicles were removed, which is more than for the entire of last year.

Councillor Drew Mellor, Leader of BCP Council, says it was prepared for an exceptional number of visitors to the town but are "disappointed" with the significant numbers of illegal parking.

He says: "We issued a record number of penalty charge notices, and our parking colleagues did a fantastic job, but we recognise that irresponsible parking impacts most on our residents and businesses along our coastline."

Councillor Mellor also says staff were also "put under pressure" to keep on top of the amount of litter in the area.

Travel around Sandbanks Peninsula was restricted to prevent the roads from becoming busy and only residents and ferry users were allowed access.

Seafront car parks in Christchurch, including Mudeford Quay, quickly became full and travellers were advised to avoid Bournemouth Town Centre.

Meanwhile, South East Coast Ambulance Service urged people to take extra care during the hot weather because of increased demand.

It says staff are currently handling around 3,000 calls a day across Kent, Surrey and Sussex.

The organisation also warned those who were "partying hard" to take care, as nightclubs opened at midnight and the majority of Covid restrictions ended.

It comes as the Met Office has issued a Level 3 Heat Health Alert, which will be in place until 9am on Thursday (22/07).

People are being advised to drink plenty of water, avoid excess alcohol and to keep indoor spaces cooler by closing the curtains.

SECAmb Executive Director of Operations, Emma Williams, says they've experienced some "very busy periods" in recent weeks and they expect it to continue, with the start of the summer holiays as well.

She said: "We want people to enjoy the sunshine and the outdoors but to take care and be sensible.

"People can continue to help us by remembering to make use of the alternatives to 999 when they're not facing an emergency, including using NHS 111 or speaking to a GP or pharmacist. People can also really help by only calling back 999 if a person's condition worsens or they no longer require our assistance."