TRAFFIC cones placed across known illegal parking hotspots across the Bournemouth and Poole coast have proven a hit with residents.

Following chaotic scenes in mid-July when illegally parked cars caused gridlock in places like East Cliff, residents and business owners demanded action and criticised the council’s planning for the summer period.

In an attempt to combat the issue, BCP Council pushed through several TTROs (Temporary Traffic Regulation Order) and placed thousands of traffic cones along the pavements of the most affected areas.

Hundreds of cones lined East Overcliff Drive in East Cliff and Lakeside Road by Branksome beach among others, in a move which was ridiculed by some.

Bournemouth Echo: Traffic cones placed on pavement to stop illegal parking at East Overcliff Drive, BournemouthTraffic cones placed on pavement to stop illegal parking at East Overcliff Drive, Bournemouth

One person said: “I would love to know the logic from the people who actually thought that this was a solution to the mayhem of the cars parking to go to the beach.”

However, residents who were most angered by the parking chaos have since praised the “simple” but effective measure as having deterred similar scenes during recent weekends – where temperatures reached up to 25C.

East Cliff resident Barbara Bird said: “To be honest I am impressed. So many of us made suggestions on how to control the problem and in the end something as simple as a few cones has worked.

“Well done BCP. Not noticed any problems at all on the stretch between the Russell Cotes and the Carlton Hotel. Not one car parked on the pavement.

“A couple of the cones have been thrown around, but the others are all still in situ – and the traffic has been flowing very well from what I can see.”

Bournemouth Echo: Illegally parked cars cause gridlock in East Overcliff Drive in JulyIllegally parked cars cause gridlock in East Overcliff Drive in July

Cllr Beverley Dunlop, portfolio holder for tourism, culture and vibrant places said: “We are pleased that the emergency TTRO we put in place two weeks ago along East Overcliff Drive in Bournemouth is stopping drivers from irresponsible parking on double yellow lines in the area.

“As a result, this TTRO has been renewed until at least the end of August.

“It’s all part of our seasonal response plans where we increase our operations and respond accordingly to manage the resort’s beaches, town centres, parks and open spaces.

“Our tourist offer underpins the local economy and while we go the extra mile to welcome visitors, the concerns of local residents and businesses are vitally important to us.”