The Bermuda Police Service presented people celebrating at Elbow Beach on Christmas Day with an unwelcome gift.Parking tickets were stuck on cars parked illegally on South Road, after drivers refused to move them.A police spokesman was yesterday unable to say how many vehicles were affected. The total number of tickets issued is expected to be known around midday today.Residents have congregated at the Paget beach on Christmas Day for decades, with parking a frequent problem due to the narrow drive.Officers are said to have stated that vehicles would be ticketed, via an announcement made over a PA system.The following advisory was also circulated to media while the festivities were underway: “There are an over abundance of vehicles parked on South Road and surrounding side roads and streets. Many of these vehicles are parked illegally and causing major safety hazards on the roads. Officers went to the venue and communicated over the PA system for violators to have their vehicles moved with very little success. Whilst we believe that everyone should enjoy the day, we must ensure safety for ‘all’ and as [such] violating vehicles will be ticketed and run the risk of being towed.”Several online readers claimed police were targeting Elbow Beach when they regularly ignored illegal parkers elsewhere.One woman wrote: “It’s a joke, I called the police a few weeks back concerning the same thing on Brighton Hill, Devonshire.”She said that she was told by police that they would look into the situation, but 20 minutes later no action had been taken.A man wrote: “I hope the same goes for church goers as well islandwide. And while we’re at it, what about the cars parked on sidewalks day in and day out.“I have to step out into the road every morning on Frog Lane near the Devonshire Rec because there’s a car and a PWs van parked on the sidewalk every morning.”Another man described the action taken by police as “just plain disgusting”.“The police have nothing better to do than to harass people having some enjoyment,” he said. “I bet the people on the beach were all expats too!”