PEOPLE are being urged to avoid Sandbanks this weekend unless they are attending an event.

The warning comes ahead of a weekend that will see Sandpolo and Sandfest take place on the beach during what is expected to be a hot weekend.

In a post on Facebook, Poole Police told people that unless they are attending the two ticketed events, they should avoid the area.

A spokesperson said the warning comes after “significant delays” in Sandbanks on June 17, which was the hottest day of the year so far.

Read more: "Gridlocked": drivers face long delays in Sandbanks on hottest day of the year

Police warned potential issues this weekend would also be “compounded” by ongoing works being carried out by Wessex Water.

Bournemouth Echo:

As reported earlier this week, Wessex Water said it plans to ease traffic flow with temporary traffic lights being manually controlled. 

Read more: How traffic will be managed in Sandbanks during busy weekend

A Poole Police spokesperson said: “This weekend is set to be a HOT one! Please note, the Wessex Water works at Haven Road junction with Banks Road in #Sandbanks are still ongoing.

“This weekend also sees ticketed events for the #SandPolo and #SandFest on the beaches at this location. As a result, Sandbanks is set to be VERY BUSY.

Read more: Everything you need to know about this year's Sandfest beach festival

“We recommend that unless you are visiting the area for one of these events, you avoid the area.

“There were significant delays on the 17th June when it was the hottest day of the year. This saw congestion backed up right around the peninsula. It is likely we will see similar issues this weekend, compounded by the ongoing emergency works.

Read more: What the man behind Sandpolo has to say about full return of event

“There is a #BeachCheckUK smartphone app which will help you find a less congested location to enjoy the beach this weekend. It works on a traffic light system.

Dorset Police will be on patrol for the ticketed events at Sandbanks alongside Operation Sandman.”

During last month's traffic issues on June 17, drivers were urged to avoid the area as traffic came to a standstill in the roads near the Sandbanks Ferry, particularly in Haven Road and Shore Road.

Police took to social media in a bid to alert people to the issue caused by volume of traffic and emergency roadworks and said efforts were being made to ease the delays.