Pembrokeshire County Council is set to explore removing the booking system for its waste and recycling centres following a commitment from Council Leader Cllr Tessa Hodgson.
Cllr Hodgson has asked the Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, Cllr Rhys Sinnett, to work with council officers to bring forward a report outlining the available options.
The move comes after concerns raised by residents about the current booking system.
Cllr Hodgson said: “Pembrokeshire is consistently one of Wales’ best performing local authorities when it comes to waste and recycling and I thank our staff and the people of Pembrokeshire for helping us continue to improve.
“However, the booking system is an issue that is raised with me time and time again by residents, and so removing the booking system is a priority for me and my administration.
“With modern technology such as number plate recognition and CCTV monitoring, I see no reason why we cannot ensure the sites are used appropriately and safely by Council Taxpayers, while minimising any unauthorised use – without the need for a booking system.
“The current arrangements can be time-consuming and bureaucratic. I believe we can create a system that maintains high standards of waste disposal, provides value for money for taxpayers, and continues to maximise recycling, all without unnecessary bureaucracy.
“It is our administration’s intention that a report is brought to the September Cabinet meeting with a clear plan to remove the booking system from our waste and recycling centres.”
The council leader believes technologies including automatic number plate recognition and CCTV could help ensure the sites continue to be used safely and appropriately by council taxpayers, while reducing unauthorised use without requiring residents to book in advance.
Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, Cllr Rhys Sinnett, said:
“We know how important it is for residents to have straightforward, convenient access to their local waste and recycling centres, and I welcome this work to explore how we can make that happen.
“Our focus will be on developing a practical, modern approach that improves the experience for residents while maintaining safety, protecting the service from misuse, and continuing to deliver strong recycling performance for Pembrokeshire. I look forward to bringing forward proposals that strike the right balance for our communities.”
It is the administration’s intention that a report setting out a clear plan to remove the booking system will be presented to Cabinet at its September meeting.
