POLICE were called to break up fights between angry drivers as temperatures soared and tempers flared.

Thousands of tourists in search of sun, sea and ice cream flocked to Southend seafront over the weekend, giving a much-needed boost to businesses.

However, the packed beaches also led to complaints about littering and arguments over parking spaces.

This has renewed calls for more parking along the seafront before major new developments are built.

Paul Thompson, chairman of Southend Seafront Traders Association, said he witnesses two altercations in Seaway Car Park, off Lucy Road, on Sunday afternoon.

He said: “Two people were fighting over a space. The council security guard had to call police.

“It was just complete chaos everywhere.”

He added that customers told him they had queued in traffic for up to three hours to get into the town.

Mr Thompson, who owns Pebbles One cafe, in Marine Parade, is concerned families will eventually be put off visiting altogether.

He said: “It was very busy, it was a fantastic day and the sun was out.

“Everyone from in and around London gets in their car and comes to Southend.

“They all have a lovely time apart from the congestion.

“If you know there is going to be a two or three hour queue you will go elsewhere.

“It’s a shame because Southend is a fantastic place and the Business Improvement District are working very hard to get more people coming.”

Martin Richardson, of the Happidrome arcade, added: "It was a very busy weekend on Southend seafront. It caught a lot of people by surprise seeing just how many people did turn up."

Motorists resorted to parking illegally on double yellow lines in residential streets and on grass verges by the seafront, with enforcement offices handing at 199 fines over the weekend.

A council spokesman said signs warning motorists not to park on the verges will be put up on Saturday.

Chief Insp Simon Anslow, district commander for Southend, confirmed officers were called to break up a fight at the Seaway car park but said no action was taken against the drivers involved.

He said: “We got a call from site security about people fighting over a parking space and during the call our call taker could hear people shouting at each other.

“Our officers attended three minutes later and there was no disturbance in the area and noone made allegations of any crime.”

Mr Richardson added that littering was also a problem as a result of the booming weekend.

Steven Crowther, who is responsible got waste and environmental care at Southend Council, told the Echo about ten tonnes of litter was collected from the seafront, with staff working shifts from 6am until 10pm.

He said: “Obviously our crews cannot cover the entire seven mile stretch at the same time, so beach visitors can really play their part and help us to keep our beaches clean and safe by not littering.

“Of course, littering can attract enforcement and fines but we would prefer to encourage people to respect our town and beaches when visiting as we want to welcome not frighten visitors.”