DORSET is preparing for an influx of visitors as the summer holidays approach.

The county has already seen surges in visitor numbers during sunny spells and authorities expect these to continue over the coming weeks.

After chaotic scenes saw some of the area's beauty spots and beaches trashed, as well as a major incident declared in Bournemouth due to crowds last month, a fresh plea has been issued to visitors to be respectful.

People are urged to clean up after themselves, respect social distancing rules and not to light fires in the open or use disposable barbecues.

The school summer term is due to finish for many this week. However, with the ongoing public health situation, residents and tourists are being encouraged to remain conscious of the need to act responsibly when out and about this summer and respect their surroundings and local communities. Face masks will present a fresh challenge as they will become mandatory in shops and supermarkets from July 24.

Assistant Chief Constable Sam de Reya, of Dorset Police, said: “The majority of our communities and visitors have continued to behave in a considerate and responsible manner throughout these difficult last few months and, even though many of the restrictions previously in place have eased, we would ask that to continue as we enter the peak summer holiday period.

“We have already seen surges in visitor numbers to the county during sunny spells and we are expecting these to continue over the coming weeks. We have been working hard to ensure a thorough policing plan is in place and have been liaising with our partners to ensure we are as prepared as possible.

“As the summer getaway begins we are also likely to see an increase in traffic on our roads. We are urging people to plan ahead and expect delays. Please drive safely and take regular breaks if you are travelling long distances.

“This is obviously a key period for our hospitality sector and I hope that everyone can enjoy it responsibly so we can continue to make the most of everything that is on offer.”

Dorset Council leader Cllr Spencer Flower, added: “With schools officially breaking up this week and with more people in the UK expected to take ‘staycations’ rather than holidaying abroad, we are of course, anticipating more visitors to come to Dorset in the weeks ahead.

“We want to reassure residents that we have thorough plans in place to avoid a repeat of scenes at some of our most popular visitor destinations recently. Dorset is a great place to live, work and visit so it’s important we work together to keep it special.

“We are asking everyone to respect our communities by following social distancing advice, not to bring disposable BBQs and please take any litter home.”

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill said: “As Dorset welcomes visitors back, I’d like to remind people that many of our residents are still understandably very nervous about Covid-19.

“Enjoy our beaches, beauty spots and hospitality industry, but please do so safely and in a way that respects our communities. Stick to the guidance and don’t do anything that will put undue pressure on our police and emergency services or could increase the chances of a spike in cases.

“And as we return to business as usual across the county, I’d also like to remind everyone to respect our roads. Officers will be out and about over the next few months looking out for dangerous and selfish motorists. And while there is never any excuse for drug or drink driving, if you try to get away with it in Dorset this summer you will get caught, lose your licence and potentially your job.”