Drivers are facing long delays as day trippers are flocking to the south Essex coast.

Long queue are forming around Southend sea front this afternoon as the county basks in the Easter heatwave.

Traders have said car parks are full to capacity.

Paul Thompson sea front trader said: "Chaos is building around Seaway as usual, it’s only 1pm on the quietest day of the bank holiday.

"All seafront car parks are full including Seaway and The Royals."

Online traffic updates are also showing heavy traffic around Southend.

All Southend Council car parks are free today.

The council has started operation heatwave to prevent and respond to the opportunities and challenges of fantastic weather.

Southend Council took to Twitter to say staff were working to 'keep the town moving'

☀️ It’s been a very busy day so far with many car parks filling up as 1,000s enjoy what Borough has to offer 👍 🍦

Staff hv been working hard to direct traffic & keep town moving but Seaway roundabout was busy for c.1 hr at peak time. This has subsided & is now free flowing.☀️ pic.twitter.com/C5NZcsHHuD

Uncle Tom's Cabin‏ in Shoebury tweeted: "Avoid the ‘chaos’ head to Shoeburyness up to 5000 parking spaces right by the sea with free parking and free jet ski launch Good Friday"