THE last big weekend of the summer has been a hit with holidaymakers despite concern that traffic jams would deter visitors to the South West.

Accommodation in Teignbridge has been at bursting point over the bank holiday with many visitors being referred to the district's tourist information centres for sought after alternative rooms.

Bob Bailey, chairman of the Teignmouth & District Hotel and Caterers Association said that there were no bed spaces in Teignmouth or Dawlish.

'For the majority, it certainly has been a better year,' he said.

Disruption on First Great Western train services from London to the West Country sparked warnings of gridlock on the region's roads, but traffic flowed smoothly over the weekend.

Devon County council figures revealed that traffic on the A380 through the district was down on last year by 20 per cent.

More than 18,200 vehicles travelled southbound on the A380 on Friday and more than 14,200 left on Monday.

Mr Bailey said that warnings of severe delays did not severely dent visitor numbers:

'It certainly didn't seem that way to me and I'm not sure that I believe it.

'It may have put a few people off but a lot of good business was done over the bank holiday weekend and I think that our members have been happy.'

South West Tourism spokesman Hannah Collingbourne said that the region's hoteliers and attractions had done well despite the national traffic warnings.

'As most people booked ahead, it would not have put people off travelling from areas like the South East but it may have prevented some people getting out and about while they were here.

'It is sensible to warn people during the busy period and advise them to travel outside of peak time. People did heed that advice because the traffic flowed smoothly but it could have put off a few visitors, and locals as well, from visiting tourist hotspots.

'Yet, everyone I've spoken to has been pleased with the bank holiday weekend.'

Although temperatures reached a high of 26c, outdoor swimming pools in Ashburton and Teignmouth had a quiet bank holiday but Teignbridge beaches remained busy.

More than 7,000 walked through the doors of Dartmoor visitor centres this weekend and continued high numbers throughout this week indicate that holiday makers are still enjoying the Moor.