Parking at seafront hotspots has been banned over the coronavirus, the council has announced.

Southend Council has banned parking, unloading waiting, stopping vehicles and pay and display bays at the areas.

The restrictions came into force today and will last about 21 days, council bosses say.

The full list of impacted parking areas includes- Belton Way West, Belton Way East, Belton Gardens, High Street in Leigh, Chalkwell Esplanade, The Leas, Western Esplanade, Marine Parade, Royal Terrace, Royal Mews, Eastern Esplanade, Thorpe Esplanade.

Yesterday, Southend Council announced how as temperatures across south Essex are set to touch 20°C this weekend you're being warned to STAY AWAY from the seaside.

As part of a Southend Council campaign the borough's tourism and visitor organisation has - temporarily - changed its name to Don’t Visit Southend.

The idea is to stop anyone thinking of a jaunt out to take in the spring heat and think again - and to stay at home to save lives.

The council’s seafront car parks are also closed and as per government guidance and the majority of shops are also closed.