A RECORD breaking number of parking fines were issued across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole this weekend.

More than 1,300 parking fines were issued in BCP this weekend as scorching temperatures saw nearly half a million visitors descend on our coast. 

The hottest weekend of the year so far enabled the council to kick their multi-agency summer response plan into action. 

Bournemouth Echo:

Temperatures soared on the hottest weekend of the year (PA).

Parking fines were issued to those who parked irresponsibly, with a priority on on-street seafront areas, where a high level of vehicles had parked in contravention causing issues for moving traffic and emergency vehicles.

There were an additional 15 vehicles towed away during the weekend, which is more than for the entire of last year, with the tow-away service running late into the evenings.

Alongside the record-breaking number of parking fines, the new Park and Ride scheme at Kings Park in Boscombe has 1,200 users - more than double the number that used the service one month ago. 

However, roads still became congested - to curtail gridlock the council and police put in place temporary road restrictions at Pier Approach in Bournemouth and Sandbanks.

Some visitors still tried to camp illegally across the conurbation and the council’s 24-hour beach patrol removed more than 100 tents. 

In Poole alone, 70 tonnes of waste was collected in Poole and toilets remained open from 7am until late - with the council carrying out additional cleansing.

Throughout the course of the weekend, more than 60 missing children were also reunited with families and guardians. 

Councillor Drew Mellor, Leader of BCP Council, said “We were prepared for exceptional visitor numbers to our towns this weekend. Our 15 miles of coastline is the perfect place to enjoy the sunshine, and we were pleased to welcome so many people to our area. Hotels were at capacity and it was great to see our restaurants and bars so busy.  

Bournemouth Echo:

Leader of the council, Drew Mellor.

“The multi-agency command control centre was the hub of operations, with 24-hour security in place for the duration of the weekend.

"Our seasonal response was resilient to the pressures of the weekend and we were able, along with our partner agencies, to respond to issues immediately. I would like to thank our police, fire, coastguard and ambulance services who have been so supportive throughout the whole weekend.

“I was delighted to hear positive feedback from many partner agencies including Bournemouth BID and Sandbanks Community Association praising the “remarkable” success and hard work of our teams.

“Disappointingly, we were faced with significant numbers of illegal parking.

"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.

“Waste services were also put under pressure to keep on top of the litter and feedback about this service has been excellent from both visitors and businesses.

“We look forward to welcoming visitors to our world-class beaches throughout the summer and my huge thanks go out to our amazing council and police teams who worked tirelessly on our behalf.”