A ROAD closure was put in place in Sandbanks as visitors flocked to the area.

BCP Council closed the road down to the Sandbanks Peninsula.

It said: “Due to the significant influx of cars at Sandbanks, we will be putting a road closure in place down to Sandbanks Peninsula. Please avoid.”

The council urged people to download the Beach Check App to check where on the coast is busy.

The Sandbanks Ferry confirmed it is still operating and the road is open for ferry traffic.

The road reopened, hopwever, at around 12.30pm, but BCP Council said it would be regularly monitored and restricted again.

The emergency services issued a plea to visitors ahead of what was expected to be a busy weekend in Dorset.

Dorset Police chief constable James Vaughan said: “With the good weather expected this weekend this pressure is going to increase so we are asking the public to help us by only calling if they really need emergency help.

“We would also ask people to plan their journey to Dorset this weekend, find out in advance where to park and if somewhere looks too busy – go elsewhere.”