IT IS finally summer and with a heatwave predicted for the end of the month, it won't be long until our coastline is covered with visitors.
If you are coming to Weymouth and Dorset or need a refresh on some of the rules of our town then look no further.
Dorset attracts around 3.6 million overnight visits and 26.4 million day-visitors annually and last year the council initiated a number of rules to manage visitors.
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The rules all visitors need to know:
Dogs on the beach:
New rules prohibiting dogs from accessing a number of beaches came into force at the start of the month, running all the way through until the end of summer.
There are however beaches across Dorset that dogs are welcome to walk and play on all year-round, with 30 beaches across the county to enjoy.
Dogs must be under control at all times and they must also be kept on leads on the promenades and footpaths and owners must clean up after their dog.
Failure to comply with the council's rules puts owners at the risk of a fine of up to £1000.
There are a number of beaches across the region however that your dog is permitted.
READ MORE: The Dorset beaches you can walk your dog on all year
Car parking
All visitors to the area are asked to park responsibly. Parking wardens are in operation across the year and the number of attendants is increased during the summer months to crackdown on illegal parking.
Cars parked on double yellow lines, causing an obstruction or blocking access may be towed.
Littering and recycling
Recycling bins along the seafront are often contaminated and therefore need to be treated as general waste.
Please ensure your waste is disposed of in the correct bins to help protect the area and the planet.
If you litter you could face a maximum fine of £150.
Overnight camping
Overnight sleeping or camping is not allowed on Weymouth beach or most of Dorset's beaches.
Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) are in place in Weymouth, Dorchester, Portland, Bridport, West Bay and Lyme Regis.
The new orders may also give powers to town council staff and other officials and, in the wooded areas of the county, to the Forestry Commission team, or Rangers to deal with open fires and barbecues.
Dorset councillors have been told that not all local beaches would be covered by the illegal camping provision – although Weymouth, Chesil and Lulworth beaches will be.
Open fires and BBQs
Open fires, fire pits and fire bowls are not permitted at any time on the beaches, promenades, cliffs or cliff tops.
Disposable barbecues are banned on Dorset Council beaches, the ban was imposed last summer.
On May 18, 2020, the Wareham fire, believed to be one of the most devastating forest and heath fires in living memory, destroyed an area the size of 230 football pitches. Over 430 firefighters worked hard to control the blaze which burnt for more than two weeks and cost more than £1 million.
Many wild creatures and important habitats were also lost, and a recovery effort involved many conservationists.
The fire is believed to have been started by a discarded disposable BBQ.
You could risk a fine of £1000.
Sand dunes
Our sand dunes are a Site of Special Scientific Interest site and are a delicate ecosystem. Stay off the dunes to help us maintain this unique site and protect their fragile habitats.
Cycling, skating and horses
From April 1 until September 30, no horses will be allowed on the promenade or Weymouth beach between 9am and 7pm.
From April 2, no cycling on the promenade will be allowed between 10am and 5.30pm.
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