Three overhead panoramic cameras were installed at Minehead beach last week as part of a nationwide Covid-safety scheme being adopted by coastal authorities.

The scheme has been set up in response to overcrowding of the nation’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 send periodic images of Minehead’s beachfront to an administrator to monitor congestion levels.

They are solar-powered and located at three points along the beach – one at the harbour end, another 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 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 beach-goers to make informed judgements – avoiding the busiest spots, staying socially distanced and being safe.”