Thousands obtain e-permits for tip ahead of change

More than 7,000 city residents have signed up for a vehicle e-permit to use a recycling centre, to tackle concerns that many non-residents have been using the site.

The permit scheme, run by Peterborough City Council for its tip at Fengate, was previously available for vans and trailers but is being extended to cover all vehicles from 24 February.

The council said people from Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Cambridgeshire were regularly using the site, due to "restricted opening hours" at their local centres.

However, residents have raised concerns it could lead to an increase in fly-tipping, said the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The changes to the permit system were discussed at a council cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

Labour cabinet member for environment and transport, Angus Ellis, said all users would need a permit going forward.

He said: "It is easy to sign up on the website and you just need to take proof of your address on your first visit to the recycling centre."

For those unable to sign up online, the e-permit can be applied for over the phone.

Mr Ellis said: "Even if you just turn up [to the recycling centre], there will be members of staff with their handheld devices so they can do it when you are there.

"Please ask your local councillor if you do have any questions."

Mr Ellis added that the council did not anticipate the new system having any impact on fly-tipping, and claimed the issue was primarily driven by smaller traders offering low-cost clearance services.

He said councillors were doing bulky waste collections to try to reduce it.

As part of a nationwide scheme to target fly-tipping hotspots, the authority was given just under £50,000 by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, which has been spent on CCTV cameras and campaigns.

Adrian Chapman, executive director of place and economy at the authority, said the number of detections of fly-tipping had increased.

"We still struggle a little bit with the level of judicial response if we take cases to court, and that's something we are determined to try and change," he said.

Within the budget proposals, an increase in the maximum fine - currently set at £400 - would be recommended, he added.

"It feels like we're getting a real grip on this."

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