Motorists faced delays along Southend seafront this afternoon as visitors headed to the beach to make the most of the summer weather. 

Traffic was said to be heavy between Southend Pier and Westcliff Beach. 

There were queues and slow moving traffic in both directions on Western Esplanade and Marine Esplanade. 

There was no reported incidents in the area and the AA's traffic map put the delays down to 'holiday traffic'. 

Delays were first reported in the area after 1pm and traffic remained heavy throughout the afternoon. 

Earlier this morning, Southend Council urged visitors to use town centre car parks and avoid areas closer to the seafront amid anticipation of another busy weekend. 

The Echo has a full list of car parks in the borough and charges available here.

Police have ramped up patrols this weekend due to large number of visitors expected to visit Southend.

Officers were out in both Southend and Leigh overnight and have praised people and business owners for behaving sensibly and following Covid rules. 

Patrols have continued throughout today and will take place again tonight. 

Chief Supt Simon Anslow, who oversees policing in south Essex, said: “I want to wish everyone a happy and safe weekend – please look after each other, and don’t be alarmed if you see extra patrols in the area.

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“Even if we’re not in uniform, we’re always here to help you. That’s whether you’re in a pub, at the beach, or watching the football.

“We have one message for people across the county this weekend – please don’t be reckless and spoil it for everyone.”