"Fantastic job in challenging circumstances" - council response to seafront traffic chaos
Bournemouth's parking wardens were busy at the weekend during the heatwave
Council bosses are defending their response after accusations of chaotic scenes in Bournemouth during the heatwave.
Soaring temperatures brought more than 100,000 visitors at the weekend.
There was traffic gridlock and disruption to bus services on the seafront as drivers parked cars on pavements and double yellow lines.
BCP Council issued nearly 1,500 parking tickets which was 300 more than the same weekend last year.
Bosses have criticised illegal parking on East Overcliff Drive and re looking to put measures in place to prevent a repeat of the problems.
They have praised parking officials for doing a "fantastic job in challenging circumstances".
Cllr Bobbie Dove, from BCP Council, said: "We expected a very busy weekend because of the weather.
"Every seafront car park was filled by 8am, but with people already travelling from further afield, there was naturally pressure on the roads.
"This was eased in part by the council’s summer park and ride at Kings Park to Boscombe which was used by over 800 people across the weekend.
“Our enforcement teams were out and issued nearly 1500 parking tickets on Saturday and Sunday.
"Our teams were also supported by tow trucks who removed a number of vehicles from our streets at problem locations.
"Disappointingly illegal parking at East Overcliff Drive resulted in disruption to some bus services.
"The council is reviewing this and have already looked into putting in measures to prevent a repeat of this.
"It’s set to be another busy few days and throughout the summer holidays, so we ask that everyone coming to visit us plays their part in treating residential areas with respect and uses our beach check app for real-time information on parking, or use our fantastic park and ride services."