Visiting Suffolk's recycling centres to be made easier

Suffolk County Council is planning to use Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) to improve services

Author: Arlen JamesPublished 30th Jan 2021

Visits to Suffolk County Council's 11 recycling centres are expected to be quicker and easier in the future.

All sites already have ANPR technology installed as part of the contract with FCC, but the authority is now looking to use it to improve the current booking system and work alongside an automatic entry system.

The booking system was launched when recycling centres reopened following closures as part of the first national lockdown.

Visits each week to sites reached 14,000 throughout the summer, and can rise up to 27,000 without coronavirus restrictions.

The project is part of the Suffolk 2020 programme and will be used to maximise site availability by recording the amount of time per vehicle is on site.

According to the authority, it could also be used to assist in identifying rogue traders fraudulently using the free household waste service to dispose of trade waste.

The system also has the facility to link to the DVLA database and identify the type of vehicle and registered keeper details if necessary.

Upgrades to the booking system software are also expected to be made.

Councillor Paul West, Cabinet Member for Waste Services, said: "We have already seen how well the 'book a slot' system has been working in Suffolk, but we know we can make improvements to make the experience for people visiting the sites even quicker and easier.

"By linking the ANPR cameras with the booking system we can speed up the process for customers getting in and out of their recycling centre. The easier we make it for everyone to recycle, the better the outcome for our environment and the people of Suffolk.

"This approach will help us reduce potential queues at sites, plan site visits and continue to improve the customer experience for everybody using Suffolk's recycling centres."

Bookings can be made via the Suffolk Recycling website, visitors must adhere to social distancing and are advised to wear face coverings, sensible footwear and gloves.

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