Coronavirus: A27 deserted as people heed advice

But, with the coronavirus crisis forcing the UK into lockdown, this is not the case this year.

The A27 near Berwick was barren this morning while the car parks of several beauty spots around the county have been blocked off to discourage visitors.

These include Seven Sisters, Birling Gap and Beachy Head.

This followed disappointing scenes last month when, following a plea from Prime Minister Boris Johnson for people to stay at home to stop the spread of coronavirus, hordes of tourists flocked to the cliffs.

After seeing this the National Trust, which owns many of the areas, decided to act to prevent a repeat event.

Speaking on March 23, director Hilary McGrady said: "Following the scenes we saw at the weekend, where visitors travelled to coast and countryside, it is really important that we do all we can to discourage travel and ask people instead to stay local and observe social distancing as guided by the government. It is so important that people stay at home. We must all work together and not see a repeat of those weekend scenes.

"There is so much the public can do at home, and over the coming weeks our website, social media feeds, podcasts and video will become even more important - ensuring the places of nature, beauty and history that we care for on behalf of the nation can remain open for business virtually while we are temporarily closed.

"We will also be ramping up our efforts to help people connect with nature wherever they are and to find moments of joy in the world around them. We will be providing rich content and staying in touch with our members and followers throughout this time."

The coronavirus Sussex Crisis Fund has been set up to help those affected by the pandemic. The Argus’s charity and American Express have each donated £50,000 to kick-start the appeal. Grants will usually be for up to £5,000. More information is available at www.sussexgiving. org.uk/apply. To donate visit www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/sussexcrisisfund