THOUSANDS flocked to the south Essex coast to soak up the sun as near record-breaking temperatures put popular holiday destinations like Marbella in the shade.

Yesterday came close to being the hottest August Bank Holiday Monday ever recorded and families were determined to make the most of it after a dreary month.

But traffic and parking problems in Southend marred the day for some as business leaders said there was a “lack of management” in car parks.

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Craig Snell, a meteorologist at the Met Office, said the mercury reached 27.6C in Writtle, close to the 28.3C record set in 1990.

He said: “We have had 28.2C recorded in Lincolnshire, I think that may end up being the warmest temperature on the day.

“But we can safely say it’s been one of the warmest Bank Holiday Mondays on record. Whether it was the record we will have to find out tomorrow.

“Compared to the rest of August it’s been a lovely weekend.”

Southend seafront was heaving yesterday with visitors and residents taking the chance to cool off in the sea or with an ice cream.

The seafront at Canvey was also popular with families and visitors alike.

Temperatures were a little cooler on the Essex coast, with 23.7C recorded at Shoebury.

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But those left behind by friends and family jetting off on holiday had the last laugh- holidaymakers in Marbella were drenched by torrential rain yesterday while flash floods in Malaga were dealt with by firefighters.

Things did get heated in Southend as traffic queries and parking issues left visitors frustrated.

Paul Thompson, chairman of the Southend Seafront Traders Association, said: “It’s been extremely busy. Everyone seems to have come to Southend for the day.

“The sun’s out and it’s really good to see the resort so busy.

“There have been considerable traffic problems and congestion and coupled with that they couldn’t get parked.

“There is a lack of traffic management from Southend Council in the car parks. There were 30 or 40 people queueing for tickets because they have taken half the machines away.

“But everyone has had a really good time on the Bank Holiday once they could get out of their cars.”

VISITORS branded the decision to carry out roadworks over the Bank Holiday weekend as “crazy”.

Hundreds of motorists had a painfully slow drive into Southend yesterday because of a lane closure just after the Kent Elms junction.

Some were stuck in stifling hot cars all the way back to Rayleigh Weir as traffic was forced into a single lane.

The roadworks were being carried out by UK Power Networks for an “emergency repair”, according to the Essex County Council roadworks website.

A spokesman was not available for comment.

Dean Rawlings, 39, from Rainham, said it “ruined” his trip.

He said: “It’s crazy to have roadworks when everyone is coming to Southend. I didn’t even see anyone working.”

There were also problems with overcrowded car parks near to the seafront.

Visitors queued in the Lucy Road car park because of a shortage of working machines.