BCP Council is stepping up its plans ahead of a busy weekend across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, with warm weather and several major events expected to attract large crowds.
Thousands of visitors are set to attend Sandpolo, Poole Goes Vintage and Bournefree, and the council is working with Dorset Police, the RNLI and other agencies to keep people safe and minimise disruption.
Extra staff will be on duty across the seafront and at key car parks to manage traffic and help maintain access.
Council officers will be patrolling busy areas, while traffic teams will be based at Sandbanks and Boscombe to help guide vehicles to alternative parking if needed.
Tow trucks are also on standby to remove vehicles blocking key routes, and anyone caught could face a fine and lose access to their vehicle until it’s recovered from a secure compound.
Last weekend, over one thousand parking fines were issued and 13 vehicles were removed for dangerous parking. The council is urging people to use multi-storey car parks further back from the seafront, such as Avenue Road and Richmond Gardens.
RNLI lifeguards will be out in greater numbers at Bournemouth, Boscombe and Branksome beaches. Beach cleansing crews will start work from 3am to ensure public areas are ready for visitors.
More than 400 bins and 150 water refill stations are available along the coast, and public safety officers will continue to enforce rules under the Public Spaces Protection Order to reduce antisocial behaviour.
Councillor Richard Herrett said visitors are welcome if they follow the rules, but warned those who don’t to stay away.
* SandFest 2025 is taking place on Sunday 13 July at Sandbanks Beach and is expected to reach capacity early.
* The UK is currently experiencing a brief heatwave, with temperatures around Bournemouth forecast to exceed 27°C this weekend.
* Bournefree is a family-focused Pride festival with events running all weekend in Meyrick Park.
* Dorset Police recently announced increased patrols around coastal areas due to rising summer visitor numbers.
* The RNLI launched its summer beach safety campaign earlier this month, focusing on drowning prevention and child safety.