A BOOKING system at Dunsdale Recycling Centre has been made a permanent feature.
The system has been in place since 6 November when essential sewage works were being carried out near the site affecting the entrance road.
This was then extended over the Christmas period, one of the busiest times of the year for the site, in an effort to try and reduce queues on the main highway.
Due to the system being well received by residents and staff members, as well as contributing to a safer environment for those who visit, Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council has taken the decision to keep the booking system in place.
Dunsdale Recycling Centre remains open during the national lockdown and the Council is urging residents to not make unnecessary trips during the lockdown period. If residents must visit, appointments are available from 8am to 5pm, seven days a week.
Cllr Barry Hunt, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Environment at the Council, said: “Since introducing the booking system, it has allowed us to proactively manage the number of vehicles visiting the site at any one time, which has been particularly helpful during the pandemic where we've had to limit numbers on the site to allow for social distancing.
“It also meant that we had no vehicles queuing on the main highway, even during the Christmas period, one of our busiest times of the year.
“The booking system provides a much better customer experience because people are not waiting in long queues and will find the system much more streamlined when visiting the site.
“We are urging our residents to please only visit the centre for essential use, as we want to protect you and our members of staff from the virus."
Permit type vehicles including vans, commercial vehicles or any vehicles with trailers are limited to the first 2 hours of the day only, and still need a permit to access the site. Details on permits can be found on the Council's website at www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk
Other rules include:
- One person only per car (Blue Badge holders can be accompanied by a family member);
- Social distancing of at least 2 metres will be strictly enforced;
- Site employees will not be able to assist with unloading;
- A resident must enter all details on the booking form, or their request will be cancelled.
To book an appointment, please visit www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk Residents who do not have access to a computer or internet can book an appointment by calling 01642 774 774.
If you are displaying any of the symptoms of Covid-19 – high temperature, new and continuous cough, or a change in your usual sense of smell or taste – please do not leave your house. You should self-isolate immediately and arrange for a coronavirus test as soon as possible. To book a test call 119 or visit https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test