BEACHGOERS will be able to avoid the busiest spots at Minehead thanks to the installation of Covid-safety cameras.

Three overhead panoramic cameras will be installed at the West Somerset beach tomorrow (Thursday, June 10) as part of a nationwide scheme being adopted by coastal authorities.

The initiative is in response to overcrowding of the country’s beaches seen at the end of last year’s initial lockdown and aims to help beach operators manage visitor numbers.

The cameras are not for CCTV purposes. Instead, they will send periodic images of Minehead’s beachfront to an administrator to monitor congestion levels.

They will be solar-powered and will be located at three separate points along the beach - at the harbour end, near Butlin's and one in between.

The cameras have been funded through the Government’s Welcome Back Fund provided to councils across England to support the safe return of visitors to their high streets and helping to build back better from the pandemic.

Full details of the national scheme and how visitors and residents can access seaside congestion updates will be communicated in due course.

Cllr Marcus Kravis, Somerset West and Taunton Council's executive member for economic development, said: “Given the current uncertainty concerning national travel and holidaymakers opting for staycations instead, we’re preparing for a good many visitors this summer as the lockdown continues to ease.

“The installation of these cameras form part of our Covid-safety planning and once details of the national scheme are released, it will help beachgoers to make informed judgements – avoiding the busiest spots, staying socially distanced and being safe.”