ROAD closures, penalty notices, full capacity car parks, heavy traffic and overstretched emergency services were the themes across Dorset over the weekend as temperatures reached the high 20s and thousands of people descended on the coast.
READ MORE: PICTURES: Thousands flock to Weymouth Beach and surrounding area
Temperatures soared to 27°C on the hottest weekend of the year so far, leading to an influx of sun-seekers to the county.
More than 500 recorded penalty charge notices were given to cars parked illegally across the county, while the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust said it had experienced the second busiest day in its history on Saturday.
In response to a full capacity car parks, and to avoid congestion, Dorset Council was forced to issue alternatives for motorists struggling to grab a parking space close to Weymouth town centre, and urged people to make use of the town's park and ride.
READ MORE: South Western Ambulance service has second busiest day in history
On Sunday, the council closed the access road to Durdle Door after the car park reached full capacity by early afternoon.
Graham Winter, who was the former mayor of Weymouth during the pandemic, compared his tenure to now as restrictions are lifted - and said it was great to see the town full again.
He said: "It was a struggle when I was mayor particularly for the hospitality industry.
"But I've been out over the weekend and it's great that people are enjoying themselves and to see the town full.
"It seems the hospitality industry, which Weymouth is famed for, is getting back on its feet - although some businesses are struggling with staff numbers. Hopefully as the summer progresses, staff numbers are no longer a concern.
"It's a long time coming getting back to normality."
Weymouth Beach was packed over the weekend, with thousands of visitors making the most of the heatwave
People pitched up on the sand for the entire day on both Saturday and Sunday, with many bringing gazebos, inflatable lilos, and tents to enjoy the sun safely.
Floods of people filled out Custom House Quay, next to Weymouth Harbour, with many holidaymakers choosing a boat tour from Weymouth Bay into the harbour and then towards the marina.
Surfers and paddleboarders also enjoyed the weather, with many taking to the sea alongside speedboats and dinghies.
Mr Winter said economically, Weymouth can now move forward.
READ MORE: Three Covid patients being cared for at Dorset County Hospital
"I believe Weymouth is now on the up," he said.
"Weymouth has become a main destination for people to visit this weekend, and the majority of people have been responsible.
"There has been a few penalty charge notices given out, but parking wardens are only doing their jobs to ease congestion.
"But they will always be damned if they do and damned if they don't.
"It feels like Weymouth has been brought back to life and I'm hopeful for the town's economic future."
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