Файл:Springbourne, end of the queue out of town - geograph.org.uk - 1331305.jpg

Beachgoers head for home – all of them at the same time, it seems. I had driven south along this 8-mile stretch of the A338 at 6pm and now, an hour-and-a-bit later, the end of the tailback is in exactly the same spot as it was then, so at least it’s not getting any worse.

Although it is hell for those involved, it is difficult to stifle slight chuckles when travelling freely in the opposite direction. Just as I reached this point to take the picture, three lads cycled past me and one of them, looking to his left, called “Unlucky” with a glint of glee in his tone.

The queue, which was never properly stationary but was rarely faster than walking pace, stretches back from Ashley Heath roundabout, the convergence of this, the main road out of Bournemouth, and the A31, one of the chief routes to southwestern resorts. Beyond that they will face more slow-goingness as they join the M27 and then the M3.

But... they will all be back next year!