Waste sites booking system goes live

A booking system for household waste recycling sites across East Sussex is now live

A new booking system for rubbish tips in East Sussex has gone live as part of council efforts to reduce queuing at sites and help save £50,000 a year.

Plans to mandate booking were announced last year by East Sussex County Council (ESCC), which is looking to make savings to fill an anticipated £55m funding gap.

A petition against the proposal started by the Lewes Liberal Democrats was signed by more than 2,250 people, while the public consultation received 5,992 responses.

ESCC has said that "around 50% of councils in England now operate some sort of booking system".

ESCC lead member for transport and environment Claire Dowling, who signed off on the plans in February, says the "misuse of our sites costs the taxpayer".

She said: "As well as saving money, the new system will help us better manage queues at busy times and improve operations and safety."

Acknowledging concerns about the potential impact on fly-tipping, Dowling said neighbouring councils had reported "no increase since introducing their systems".

Carolyn Lambert, Lib Dem councillor for Seaford South, previously said the party had heard from residents across the county who are "worried this will complicate their lives".

The number of responses received from the public consultation was the most ever submitted to a consultation run by the communities, environment and transport department, according to a council report.