VAN drivers will need new permits to use Somerset Waste Partnership (SWP) recycling centres from October, as the rules change in an attempt to cut congestion.
Drivers of vans under 3.5 tonnes and cars with small trailers will need a new free permit, limiting visiting hours to weekdays and 1pm to 4pm on Saturdays. Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes are not allowed to use the centres.
The size of vehicles will be limited so the vast majority of users are not held up or put at risk by large, heavily laden or hard-to-manoeuvre trucks and trailers.
Out-of-county visitors with vans or trailers will be directed to use their own recycling sites rather than add to the queues or council tax costs of Somerset householders.
A SWP spokesman said, “These steps will cut queues, limit delays, reduce costs and ensure sites are safer and easy-to-use for Somerset residents making 1.5 million visits a year.
“Somerset is responding to residents’ demands on queues and site entry controls, and – unusually for us – catching up with other local authorities’ actions to improve waste services.
“Many neighbouring councils already have similar restrictions, either based on vehicle size or where customers live; some would bar those with a Somerset address from their sites.
“Our aim is a swift, smooth and safe recycling site visit every time for all Somerset residents; getting many more vehicles out of their way will be a great help.”
Surveys of Somerset residents have shown an 87% satisfaction rating for recycling sites, with a majority wanting controls or bans on large vehicles and visitors from outside the county.
As part of the scheme, from Monday 3 October:
• Drivers of cars, estates, 4x4s and campervans will see no change, except fewer queues.
• Vans over 3.5 tonnes or box (Luton) vans, agricultural vehicles, horse boxes, trailers over three-metre floor length or with multiple axles, and vans with trailers, cannot use sites.
• Vans up to 3.5T, pick-ups, and trailers up to three-metre floor length require a free permit.
• Cutting delays, permit vehicles can only use sites at weekends between 1pm and 4pm on Saturdays, which is already the commonest time for these vehicles.
• Businesses paying at the ten sites taking trade waste need no permit but – at all sites except Highbridge and Taunton – must observe the same permit measures as residents.
For more details about which vehicles are permitted and which need permits, or to apply for a permit, go to www.somersetwaste.gov.uk/permit
