Tip booking system to avoid cuts, says council

A controversial booking system proposed for Dorset's household tips is needed to avoid service cuts, the council has said.

Dorset Council initially said the system would be introduced across all 10 sites in the autumn to reduce congestion and waiting times.

But after a backlash, including a petition signed by thousands in Bridport, the council released a further statement saying the system would also cut costs.

It said the plan would "prevent misuse by commercial operators posing as household users" and stop residents from other council areas using the tip free of charge.

When Dorset Council first announced the change, some were supportive but many more questioned its reasons, saying they had never experienced queues.

In Bridport, thousands of people have signed a petition saying the recycling centre there is already fast and efficient to use.

A week after its announcement, the authority released a second statement explaining its wider reasoning, including the financial impact.

Dorset Council says it pays £435,000 to BCP Council so Dorset residents can use BCP recycling centres, but BCP residents use Dorset's sites free of charge.

Under the new system, residents from outside Dorset Council's area will pay a fee to use its tips.

It is hoped booking ahead will also deter commercial users from abusing the system.

Place services councillor Jon Andrews said: "We've looked at lots of alternative options to identify savings.

"We know that closing sites, cutting opening hours or limiting access could save money, but would have a huge negative impact on our residents.

"A booking system allows us to maintain the same valued level of service with lower running costs."

Mr Andrews said people would likely make fewer trips and bring more waste each time, leading to fewer journeys and emissions.

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