BEACH visitors have been slammed for "selfish parking" which blocked a pavement as crowds flocked to the coast.

Drivers heading to Sussex beaches are being warned to be mindful after a long line of cars were pictured parked on the pavement near the beach at Camber Sands yesterday, when the car park was full.

Rother District Council said parking on the pavement "puts people's lives at risk" as it can block the road for emergency vehicles and means pedestrians have to walk in the road.

The council said in a Facebook post: "Selfish parking puts people's lives at risk.

"When visiting Camber, please be mindful of your parking as this has a negative impact on the local community, can make it impossible for emergency vehicles to get through and force pedestrians to walk in the road."

Hundreds of people hit the popular sandy beach yesterday, as temperatures reached 27 degrees in parts of the South East.

Sussex Police said queues for Camber Sands and West Wittering beaches started early this morning and urged sun-seekers heading to these spots to rethink their plans.

A spokesman said: " "We know that lots of you will be heading to the beach today.

"But lovely weather like this means very long queues for both Camber Sands in East Sussex and West Wittering in West Sussex.

"Both beaches are incredibly popular year-round but on a day like today, queues started early this morning.

"If you're sitting in a queue for either of these beaches at the moment, or thinking of going later, please consider an alternative.

"Please note that pre-booked parking at West Wittering is sold out for today."