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Thanet District Council issues 134 parking fines in two days as crowds flock to beaches

More than 130 parking fines were slapped on motorists across a district within two days after an authority stepped up beach patrols.

Thanet District Council deployed security guards to its seafronts last weekend after it was flooded with visitors.

Huge crowds of people on Margate Main Sands last month. Picture: Frank Leppard Photography
Huge crowds of people on Margate Main Sands last month. Picture: Frank Leppard Photography

The hot temperatures on Saturday meant many of the authority's beaches and bays were busy.

A raft of measures were introduced as part of a wider response to the large number of visitors to the area this summer, which is being co-ordinated by the council's beach management plan.

It has since been hailed by the council as a "success".

As part of this, a coastal supervisor acted as a single point of call to intervene with reports of litter, launching boats and jet skis from banned locations, and cycling on the promenades.

Security was deployed at potential hotspots for antisocial behaviour - and their hours were extended until 8pm.

One person had to be treated by paramedics after a fight broke out at Viking Bay, Broadstairs, in May
One person had to be treated by paramedics after a fight broke out at Viking Bay, Broadstairs, in May

A greater number of traffic wardens were also patrolling parking pinch points and they issued 134 fines.

Temporary road signage encouraging people to take their litter home with them was also erected.

Beach-cleansing crews were on duty during spells in the morning and afternoon to pick up litter and empty bins - and also had their hours extended until 8pm.

A spokesperson for the council said: "We conduct a review and analysis after every weekend to address any issues and identity areas for improvement.

"As summer goes on we’ll keep adapting in line with need, working closely with our beach partners which include Your Leisure, the concessionaires and RNLI as well as the police, NHS and transport providers."

Towards the end of last month, 62,000 people descended on two Thanet beaches in the sweltering heat.

About 40,000 revellers flocked to Margate main sands and 22,000 to Viking Bay in Broadstairs - far exceeding the safe limit for social distancing measures.

Shocking reports of fights, drug taking, boozing and people defacating in public places led to a plea from the council to the government for help.

Read more: All the latest news from Thanet

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