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Kent weather: Long queues and busy beaches as people head for the coast

Motorists faced lengthy delays earlier as beach-goers headed to the coast on the hottest day of the year.

A broken-down lorry from earlier caused ten miles of queueing traffic on the M2 coastbound, adding around half an hour to people's journeys.

The sand has been filling up with people in Joss Bay, Kingsgate
The sand has been filling up with people in Joss Bay, Kingsgate

The vehicle broke down at Junction 5 A249 for Sittingbourne, creating a snaking queue of traffic back Junction 4 for Gillingham.

The incident also caused heavy traffic on the A249 northbound, with 20-minute delays leading to the M2.

The congestion caused by the break-down has been made worse by the number of motorists heading towards the coast, as temperatures are estimated to hit highs of 37C.

People have flocked to beaches in huge numbers once again to bask in the sunshine, which has increased congestion on the roads.

Some took to social media to warn people of the busy roads across Thanet.

The M2 is heavily congested. Pic: Highways England
The M2 is heavily congested. Pic: Highways England

Dan Thompson, an artist and writer from the area, tweeted: "Margate's already busy. Traffic solid on the road in and queues for the car park.

"If you're coming - I'd suggest any beach west of Margate.

"Turn off early, go to Birchington or Westgate. Beaches just as good."

The Thanet Coast project has organised a beach clean to take place at 7pm tonight, in anticipation of litter left by sun-revellers.

The community-led organisation tweeted: "Margate main sands may need some help after this scorcher of a day."

Joss Bay in Kingsgate has been getting busier into the afternoon.

Dave Melmoth, operations manager at Joss Bay Surf School in Kingsgate, said: "We're fully booked all day.

"It's been chaos on the beach if I'm honest. People are more confident in outdoor space, just keen to do activities and do something different because we've been locked up for so long.

"In the 22 years of being here it's our busiest summer, we're maxed out week on week. It's great for us, though.

"But it has been a challenge with it being so busy. We're all beach lifeguard qualified and we look after our own customers, but it's hard because not everyone respects social distancing. We have to manage people quite well."

Dave Melmoth described Joss Bay as 'chaos'
Dave Melmoth described Joss Bay as 'chaos'

Away from the packed-out sands of Joss Bay, the locals beach of Stone Bay, in Broadstairs, was much more relaxed

Beach-goer Holly Jones said: "It's a beautiful day, the sun is shining and it's lovely down here as it's a bit quieter than the main beaches.

"It's also a lot quieter than it was a few weeks ago when it was so busy and for beach hut owners like us, it was hard to get enough space for us and our families.

"Also people were leaving their litter and so it wasn't very nice.

"But now, it's improved so much and we love being here.

Holly Jones, with her mum, children and nieces at Stone Bay
Holly Jones, with her mum, children and nieces at Stone Bay

"I have to say the lifeguards have been amazing, always watching the sea and it makes you feel safe bringing your children down here."

Meanwhile, day-trippers swooped on Sheppey for the hottest day of the year so far and shared the beaches with residents all trying to cool down.

Sunning themselves nearby were travel agent Kirstie Hayward, 26, from Minster and her friend nurse Kelly Bower, also 26, from Sheerness.

Both were making the most of their days off.

Kirstie said: "This is definitely the place to be. It's calm but busy and there is a nice breeze coming off the sea."

Kirstie Hayward, 26, from Minster and her friend nurse Kelly Bower, also 26, from Sheerness
Kirstie Hayward, 26, from Minster and her friend nurse Kelly Bower, also 26, from Sheerness

Kelly, who works at Medway Maritime Hospital, said: "It makes a change not having to wear PPE on a 10-hour shift."

On the beach Maureen and Bill Walsh and their friend Diane Payne from Medway were sheltering under a parasol. Bill said: "We love it on Sheppey. It's the nearest beach to Medway. We like it in Folkestone, too, but we couldn't face the M20."

Last Friday the county's roads were hit with queues caused by sun-seekers flocking to the coast.

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