The UK has recorded its hottest day of the year so far – with people across the country journeying to jam-packed beaches and beauty spots to make the most of the sunshine for the first time since social distancing rules were eased.
Temperatures hit a peak of 27.8C near Heathrow, up from the previous 2020 high set the day before when the mercury rose to 26.2C.
And with the government having eased rules on trips outside – including those that once barred people looking to drive to far flung areas of natural beauty – thousands took to the nation’s shores with many of England’s top coastal areas appearing rammed with sunbathers.
In the southwest, police serving the area around Barnstaple said traffic wardens were at risk of running out of tickets to issue as people abandoned their cars to head to the North Devon coast.
One North Devon police officer wrote on Twitter: “Sadly every double yellow line from Woolacombe to Morthoe is covered with cars and vans. Cars mounting pavements to get by whilst pedestrians try to cross the road. All the offences have been recorded and will be processed in due course.”
Meanwhile images from popular beaches including Southend, Bournemouth and Brighton showed crowds embracing the sunshine – with some questioning on social media how efficiently people could socially distance.
Current government regulations allow for people to meet up with someone outside their household as long as they remain 2m apart to limit the potential risk of coronavirus – with no limit on the amount of time the public can spend out in public areas such as parks.
The introduction of the measures, and particularly an easing of the rule which stopped people driving to far away spots, have raised concerns that coastal communities and those who live near beauty spots could see their regions overwhelmed by day-trippers.
In the Lake District locals have erected signs warning the public away, while the park’s chief executive has urged people to ‘consider and respect the local communities’ by staying clear of the region.
