'Gridlock' as visitors are urged to stay away from Camber

Authorities have now urged visitors to consider alternatives to Camber Sands as people look to escape their homes after months of lockdown.

Car parks in the area were overflowing and roads going to and from the beach were rammed as visitors made a beeline for the seafront yesterday - the hottest day of the year so far.

In response to this, Rother District Council has issued a plea asking people to think twice before driving to Camber.

A spokesman said: "On the hottest day of the year so far, we have again seen a huge number of people heading to the beach which led to all three car parks and the overflow field being closed at 1pm.

"This resulted in gridlock with thousands of cars queuing for hours with nowhere to go - despite signs on the main roads advising people car parks are full.

"Although there are emergency services on the beach, if an emergency response was needed on the beach or in the village this would be severely delayed and could put lives at risk.

"The issue is exacerbated by motorists abandoning their cars on roadsides, verges and across residents’ driveways, causing even more congestion.

"We would urge people considering a trip to Camber Sands to consider alternatives, as they will face hours of queueing with no guarantee of being able to park."

Today, the car parks were filled before 10.30am and have been closed.

Rother District Council urged people not to travel to the area and also said that "Sussex Police are attending to put in place a road closure".