POLICE have revealed the bizarre excuses given by drivers stopped on their way into Dorset on Good Friday.

Spear fishing, dog walking, visiting a friend and plans to self-isolate in a rented camper van were among the reasons given for being on the road.

And anyone who made it as far as the coast may have spotted a group of men huddled together at West Cliff enjoying a barbecue.

Four men cooked sausages and bacon on a disposable barbecue, even handing round the ketchup.

Dorset Traffic Cops joined forces with colleagues in Hampshire to check what motorists were up to on the A31.

They said they encountered two families from London who were heading to the beach because it was a nice day and another family from London who had hired a camper van and were heading to Dorset to self-isolate.

A couple, also from London, said they were going spear fishing and a man from Aylesbury said he was going to see a friend to brush up his CV.

A few couples from Southampton were also stopped and told officers they were going to walk their dogs on the coast.

Several vehicles were escorted from the county, one car was seized for having no insurance and two other tickets were issued for motoring offences.

Bournemouth Echo:

Two people playing mini golf at Sandbanks on Good Friday

In the west of the county, on the borders with Devon and Somerset, most vehicles stopped were carrying out essential journeys.

But traffic police were called to help officers in Poole who were dealing with people demanding entry to their holiday caravan. They were sent home.

Bournemouth Echo:

A paddleboarder at Sandbanks on Good Friday 

Southbourne Coastguard said their crews have been forced to go out on patrol "to help educate people who think it's ok to carry on as normal and visit the beach."

A spokesman added: "Please help us all and stay at home, protect your loved ones, protect the NHS."

And BCP Council leader Vikki Slade tweeted: "Angry and upset to be contacted by various residents reporting holidaymakers turning up and second homers heading down for the weekend. Dorset is CLOSED to visitors. Please come back another time."