MORE than 800 parking tickets were issued across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole this weekend following an influx of visitors.

BCP Council said it also dealt with nine illegally pitched tents and seafront teams reunited 40 missing children with their parent or guardian.

Many areas of Bournemouth and Poole descended into chaos on Sunday, June 13, with some beach car parks full from as early as 8.30am.

Residents reported swathes of illegal parking on double yellow lines, verges and even in the middle of roundabouts.

As reported, the authorities implemented road closures in Boscombe and Sandbanks in the afternoon as they attempted to alleviate traffic gridlock.

Providing an update on BCP Council's response over the weekend, a post on social media by the local authority said: "Wow, what at busy weekend! Our multi partner summer response team has been working around the clock looking after our beaches, town centres and open spaces.

"Our seafront rangers reunited 40 missing children.

"More than 800 parking tickets have been issued, and our staff are still on the ground dealing with irresponsible parking Our tow away service was in operation (others were quick to move their cars when they saw the truck coming)."

The spokesperson added: "We dealt with nine illegally pitched tents. Our waste collection crews continue to empty the 650+ bins.

"Thanks to our partners at the Police, RNLI and South West Ambulance Service who have been very busy keeping you and our towns safe.

"Our clean-up operation will take place overnight and into the early hours making sure everything is clean and tidy ready for another busy day tomorrow."

As the afternoon drew to a close, the issues reverted to the roads with heavy traffic across major routes out of the conurbation.

The beach cleaning operation will kick into action in the early hours of Monday morning.