Last summer an incredible 64,700 parking fines were issued by councils at beachside car parks and surrounding roads - with August by far the worse month for it.
Collectively that saw £2.5million worth of penalties handed out to beachgoers, research from Churchill car insurance shows.
And things could be even worse this year, with the number of people looking for a UK getaway soaring with Covid-19 restricting overseas options.
Churchill car insurance's Jane Morgan said: “Many people will have been disappointed to have plans cancelled or changed at the last minute this summer due to the pandemic.
"With lockdown restrictions lifting and greater freedom on offer, people will be eager to take advantage of the many beautiful beaches closer to home."
But that decision comes with a risk, if you find the car park full so chance it on a nearby road or stay later on the beach than you planned.
The average value of a parking fine at a seaside car park or surrounding area in 2019 was £38, accounting for tickets that were either successfully appealed or unpaid, Churchill said.
“With limited parking spots available we would urge drivers to remain respectful of parking restrictions and to only park in allocated spaces," Morgan said.
"At busy times, it’s worth researching back up parking options in case a prime sea front spot isn’t available.
"In order to comply with social distancing measures, we would encourage people to consider less popular destinations as the well-known spots can get overcrowded.”
But many drivers seem ready to take that chance.
One in 11 motorists said they would risk a fine by parking illegally in a quiet area, while another 6%said they’d take a chance if they’d travelled a long way to get to their destination.
The same number think the risk of parking illegally is lessened by their belief that Covid-19 will reduce the number of active traffic wardens operating, while 5% said they would be more likely to park illegally if they saw a large number of other motorists doing the same.
Where the most beachside parking tickets were issued last year
- Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole Council, Hengistbury Head Beach - 3,105 fines
- East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Bridlington South Beach - 2,858 fines
- Thanet District Council, Botany Bay - 1,979 fines
- East Lindsey District Council, Sutton-on-Sea - 1,855 fines
- Brighton and Hove City Council, Brighton Beach - 1,577 fines
- Denbighshire Council, Rhyl Beach Front - 1,455 fines
- Northumberland County Council, Bamburgh Castle Beach - 1,118 fines
- Highland Council, Dornoch Beach - 1,107 fines
- South Tyneside Metropolitan Borough Council,Sandhaven Beach - 1,043 fines
- Bridgend County Borough Council, Newton Beach - 1,042 fines
