Sun-seekers urged to avoid Camber Sands after thousands of cars left ‘in gridlock’ for hours

Gridlock at Camber Sands. Photo by Rother District Council

Rother District Council is urging people to consider visiting alternative beaches today.

All three car parks and the overflow car park were closed at 1pm yesterday, but motorists continued to travel to the beach.

Lives could have been at risk if an emergency response was needed on the beach or the village, as paramedics would have been ‘severely delayed’, the council warned.

The council said: “On the hottest day of the year so far, we have again seen a huge number of people heading to the beach which led to all three car parks and the overflow field being closed at 1pm.

“This resulted in gridlock with thousands of cars queuing for hours with nowhere to go - despite signs on the main roads advising people car parks are full.

“Although there are emergency services on the beach, if an emergency response was needed on the beach or in the village this would be severely delayed and could put lives at risk.

“The issue is exacerbated by motorists abandoning their cars on roadsides, verges and across residents’ driveways, causing even more congestion.

“We would urge people considering a trip to Camber Sands to consider alternatives, as they will face hours of queueing with no guarantee of being able to park.”

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