COUNCILLORS in Mersea are looking to increase parking after cars swarmed onto the island during the hot bank holiday.

Coastal areas saw chaos over long weekend as temperatures hit 24 degrees.

Families flocked to the beaches to soak up the sun, but ended up causing trouble by double parking and clogging up roads.

Residents shared their concerns on social media, with suggestions of a Park and Ride service.

West Mersea Town Council is now looking at ways to increase parking on the island.

Petra Palfreyman, town clerk, said: "The council is aware there are parking difficulties during busy times, as there are at most tourist destinations.

"The council has made some provisional inquiries to try and increase the parking available but at this time there is nothing more to report than that.

"Further updates will be reported on our website and Facebook page."

Residents said the island was "rammed", with some drivers using people's driveways as car parks.

Other residents felt it was the responsibility of the drivers to park sensibly. One said: "It’s a small island with a few car parks, avenues and several narrow roads and lanes, that doesn’t give tourists the right to double park, block driveways or pavements."

Mandie Holgate, who lives in West Mersea, said: "There is a field in the village that could be used when we know the weather is going to be great and Mersea is very popular.

"More parking would mean more cars and parts of the island will need attendants, so I don't believe it would fix the problem.

"A Park and Ride would and could raise funds for the island.

"Our roads are horrific and taxpayers pay for the car parks and they are all shut in winter months.

"More parking is good for small businesses but places massive pressures on our infrastructure, so a toll or Park and Ride could be perfect."

Clacton also faced the same problem, with frustrated residents are calling for allocated parking during major events after years of suffering from an influx of visitors.

The issue is set to be discussed at a meeting of Tendring Council next week.