New booking system introduced to reduce queues at county’s tips
One slot a week for households
A PRE-BOOKING system at waste recycling centres is being established to manage demand and reduce queues – with 30,000 slots available each week.
The new system for residents wishing to use a household waste recycling centre (HWRC) run by Hampshire County Council will begin on Monday, June 15.
It does not cover Portsmouth City Council’s tip at Port Solent, which currently operates a number-plate system to restrict the number of cars arriving each day, although it is considering bringing in a booking system.
Residents will be able to book a 30-minute slot up to 48 hours in advance, with households limited to one slot per week.
Those wishing to book will need to provide their name and car registration.
Bookings will be available using an online system, and the council is working on a telephone booking line for residents who do not have internet access.
The council said the measure is to be introduced following the ‘severe’ traffic congestion seen at many HWRCs since they reopened with social distancing measures in place on May 11.
The heavy congestion around waste sites is ‘risking the safety of others on the road’, according to Councillor Rob Humby, deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and environment at Hampshire County Council.
He said: ‘The new Covidsafe working requirements inevitably mean capacity at all of our HWRCs is reduced.
‘Although we have the largest HWRC network in the country, we haven’t seen a decline in the numbers of people visiting the HWRCs in the weeks since they reopened.
‘Unfortunately, despite road markings and signs that we had put in place to help manage the traffic, the level of queuing at many sites is so significant that it is causing issues with local residents, local businesses and, in some cases, risking the safety of others on the roads.’
From the launch of the new booking system, all HWRCs will revert to their normal summer opening hours of 9am to 6pm.
Portsmouth City Council’s tip at Port Solent is continuing to admit cars based on the last number on the number plate.
Anyone arriving at the tip on the wrong day is turned away, and drivers can check online to find out when they can attend.