Wiltshire councillors back monitoring of controversial tip booking system

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 24 Oct, 06:01 · Archive

Wiltshire councillors voted to increase monitoring of a new booking system at recycling centres amid concerns it could increase fly-tipping.

Wiltshire councillors voted to increase monitoring of a new booking system at the county's recycling centres after concerns emerged that requiring residents to book visits could drive waste towards illegal dumping.

The debate on 20 October lasted more than an hour and saw the motion repeatedly amended before it passed by 73 votes to six, with five abstentions. Reform UK councillor Chris Vaughan, who presented the motion, warned that the council needed hard evidence about unintended consequences of the booking requirement at six household recycling centres. He said that if evidence showed fly-tipping harm outweighed benefits, the booking system 'should cease'.

Councillors feared the change could increase fly-tipping on country lanes and private land. Ian Thorn, leader of the Liberal Democrat administration, cautioned against drawing a direct link between the booking system and dumping, saying the council was 'very, very focused on fly-tipping' and would not have introduced the trial unless it believed it would benefit residents.

Paul Sample, cabinet member for waste and the environment, defended the scheme as a trial. He said almost 47,500 bookings had been made, with 35 per cent made on the same day and 65 per cent made either on the day or the day before.

The motion's passage means the booking system will now face additional scrutiny as the council monitors both fly-tipping levels and recycling-centre usage during the trial period.

How it is being reported

• Council meeting descends into row over new tip booking systemA controversial booking system at Wiltshire’s recycling centres will face extra scrutiny.Swindon Advertiser · 24 Oct, 05:00
• Council meeting descends into row over new tip booking systemA controversial booking system at Wiltshire’s recycling centres will face extra scrutiny.Wiltshire Times · 24 Oct, 05:00
• Council meeting descends into row over new tip booking systemA controversial booking system at Wiltshire’s recycling centres will face extra scrutiny.Gazette & Herald · 24 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Wiltshire · Chris Vaughan · Reform UK · Ian Thorn · Liberal Democrats · Paul Sample

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