Extra traffic wardens and highway message boards are being brought in to avoid a repeat of last weekend’s traffic chaos in Bournemouth.

Hundreds of drivers were stranded on the A338 for several hours last Sunday night after an accident.

Beachgoers parked on pavements and grass verges as car parks filled up and even short journeys through the town took several hours.

Thousands of people are expected to flood into Dorset today, with events including the Bourne Free festival, Swanage Jazz Festival and the Sandbanks Beach Polo Championships.

Bournemouth Borough Council says it is taking extra action to make sure everyone can get home quickly and safely this weekend.

  • VMSs (variable message signs) on the Wessex Way and one on the A338 just before the Cooper Dean roundabout
  • Additional information at car parks and parking areas along the seafront and in the town will help people to decide on the best time to leave to avoid getting stuck
  • An extra electronic messaging board between the Pier Approach and Bournemouth Gardens with travel information on it.
  • Beach offices will be displaying A-boards and a new electronic messaging sign will give details of any on the roads
  • There will also be a signage in the seafront office
  • Regular updates on the Bournemouth Borough Council and Seafront Facebook and Twitter pages will provide information on car parks 15-20 minutes walk away from the seafront
  • Beach cleaning staff will work through the night to tackle litter
  • And extra traffic wardens are being brought in to stop people parking illegally along the seafront.

Mark Smith, Service Director for Tourism, said:“We have all been eagerly anticipating the start of summer and there were moments we thought it wasn’t going to come. Now thankfully it is here and the most important thing is everyone is able to enjoy it safely and without too much stress.

“Bournemouth is one of the most popular seaside resorts in the country, which means hundreds of thousands of sun seekers will be enjoying the town over the weekend. We want to ensure we are providing them the best service we can.

“We have put in place an action plan to ensure information is getting out there to those who need it. We encourage everyone to enjoy the sun responsibly and to plan as much as they can in advance.

“The beach cleaning team will work through the night to make sure the beach is fresh and clean for sun seekers the next morning. But visitors are asked to help them out by taking their litter home with them – we only want to see their footprints left in the sand.”