Latest News: Police Warn Visitors That Dorset Is Full

Police are warning that Dorset will likely to be full this August Bank Holiday.

Dorset Police spokesman said: “Many thousands of visitors, some already in the region, are expected to be residing in the county over the three-day holiday.  With congested roads and demand on all emergency services resources are expected to be high.

Tourism bosses are already predicting that the region is at near or full capacity!

The message to all visitors is book ahead and plan your trip. And expect delays on the road network.

Sandbanks Ferry.Transports links will be very busy and at capacity warn police.

Tourists coming to the county are being urged to plan and respect communities. The major movement of tourists will be over the next few days.

Latest News: Plan Your Trip As Dorset Is Full

Also, to plan a trips to the beaches.  Plus be prepared to move to alternative venues if they are at capacity.

Dorset is Full and many beaches will be at or near capacity.

Latest figures for August 2020 show 999 call demand remains at record levels.  With 2,683 999 calls received by Dorset Police in the last week (up to Sunday 23 August 2020). This is up six per cent on what was a previous record period in 2019.

Be prepared to move to quieter beaches.

While overall recorded crime for July and August 2020 remains around four per cent down.  There has been 630 public order incidents reported – an increase of almost 15 per cent.  This is a substantial increase in reports of anti-social behaviour (ASB).

A 63% increase in environmental anti-social behaviour has been reported.   Which, is often rubbish, fly tipping and wild camping.

Wild camping sometimes generates rubbish and anti-social behaviour.

Personal ASB incidents are often drink related.  And, has seen 447 reports these are up almost four per cent on 2019 figures.

Fines are likely if visitors do not stick to the rules.

Assistant Chief Constable Sam de Reya said: “We appreciate for much of our tourism economy the Bank Holiday brings the opportunity to try and recover revenue lost during lockdown earlier this year. We want to support that.  But the public must help themselves by observing COVID-19 safety measures. And behaving respectfully.

“However, the levels of ASB and public order offences are entirely unacceptable.  And cannot go unchallenged. Drink related issues have been particularly prevalent.  I would ask our resident communities and visitors to know their limits and act responsibly.”

Road congestion is likely to be a particular issue across Friday and Saturday.  With again on Monday. As many thousands enter and leave Dorset.

Respecting The Coastline And Communities

Respecting the coastline also remains critically important after high seas and coastal surges in recent days.

Dorset Police warn that seas have been high.

ACC de Reya added: “Planning your journey to Dorset is hugely important. If you travel without booking accommodation first you may struggle to find any in the region when you arrive.

Drive appropriately and respectfully on Dorset  roads.

“And driving appropriately and respectfully on our roads protects yourselves and others. Please be patient if you encounter traffic and ensure your vehicle is suitably prepared.

Dorset Police warn social distancing is still in place.

“COVID-19 has not gone away. And remains a very real threat in our communities. Face coverings are mandatory on public transport. Also in takeaways, shops and enclosed public spaces.  Such as, museums, galleries and cinemas as well as places of worship.

“We would ask everyone to respect each other and maintain social distancing whenever possible.”

“Play your part and respect and enjoy what Dorset has to offer.”