E-permit scheme to stop non-residents using tip

Users of a recycling centre will have to apply for e-permits as part of a scheme to reduce costs for taxpayers.

Peterborough City Council hopes the permits at the Fengate Household Recycling Centre could reduce the amount of visitors to the facility who do not live in the city.

The scheme aims to lower waste, reduce costs to Peterborough taxpayers and reduce congestion during peak times.

Site users who visit the centre in a vehicle will need to have an e-permit from 24 February.

In September last year, the council proposed introducing a residents-only permit at the site to help save about £63,000 in the year to April 2026.

In a report, the authority said staff were aware people from Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Cambridgeshire had used the site due to "restricted opening hours" at their local centres.

Peterborough City Council's cabinet member for environment and transport, Angus Ellis, said: "It is a real asset for the council and Peterborough residents, providing a modern one-stop-shop facility which continues to receive positive feedback from users.

"However, this has meant that it often attracts visitors from outside of the city, which can result in it becoming very busy at peak times.

"It's also unfair for local tax-payers to fund usage by non-Peterborough residents. We are fully committed to ensuring that it runs effectively and the new e-permits will help us achieve this."

The council has previously operated a van or trailer e-permit scheme, which has been extended to all those visiting by motor vehicle.

Residents who have a valid van or trailer e-permit already can continue to do so, but if they decide to visit by car, they will need a separate e-permit.

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