A COUNTY council is proposing a new booking system for tip visits in an effort to help reduce congestion.

Social distancing introduced during the pandemic has created "significant congestion" and queuing at some tips in West Sussex.

At times the queues have gotten so bad that police have advice West Sussex County Council to close some of the tips over road safety fears.

To cope with the annual “spring surge” that is expected once lockdown rules are lifted, the council are now considering a trial of a booking system at five sites across the county.

The proposal is for the trial to cover the Bognor Regis, Crawley, Horsham, Littlehampton and Shoreham-By-Sea sites from mid-March.

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Residents would be able to go online or call to select a specific time slot to visit the sites which is hoped to reduce waiting times and prevent queues on nearby roads.

Deborah Urquhart, West Sussex County Council cabinet member for environment, said: “A booking system would allow us to provide a fair and equal service to all residents and also help reduce pressure as lockdown restrictions are lifted.

"Similar booking systems have been implemented in other areas, such as Hampshire, and have successfully improved the experience for residents, as well as helping to manage the demand on the system.

“It should also have a positive impact on those living or operating businesses close to a household waste recycling site.

"Traffic would be more evenly spread across the day rather than peaking at certain times. Reduced queues would also help to reduce the environmental impact of vehicles visiting the sites and mean a smoother and quicker visiting experience for residents.

“Traffic from the sites can impact on local roads and residents, as well as having a detrimental impact on air quality due to vehicles queuing with engines running. The trial is designed to see how well the system works to reduce these."

In the meantime, residents are asked to only visit the sites for essential reasons where they are unable to safely store recycling or waste at home.

As the restrictions ease, it is anticipated more people will want to use the sites.

Residents have been encouraged to make full use of their kerbside collections run by the district and borough councils.