Council "pleased" over 26,000 vehicles registered with Bedford tip under new scheme
The new system to register your car at the tip has been going for a month.
And the council is pleased with the results so far, claiming it’s already resulted in a reduction in misuse by businesses and people from outside the borough.
Back in September, we revealed the council’s decision to start a free online vehicle registration system at the Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) on Barkers Lane.
Bedford Today was inundated with comments with some residents fearing it may fall flat, as not everyone has access to the web to register their vehicle. While others thought it might ultimately lead to fly-tipping.
One resident wrote: “How does it work as my daughter comes from Rushden to take my rubbish to Barkers Lane as I don't drive?”
While another said: “Anything that makes disposal less accommodating will always lead to more fly-tipping – as history and experience has demonstrated repeatedly.”
Some readers disagreed – one wrote: “It actually sounds fairer. The staff there stopped me going for a while because they realised I had been going quite often while I was doing some DIY during my time off. If I had been registered I doubt that would have happened.”
Neighbouring Central Beds has a not too dissimilar system where – instead of registering online – people just have to show ID to prove they live in the area.
In a statement this morning (Tuesday), Bedford Borough Council said more than 26,000 vehicles registered in the first month from over 21,500 homes.
It added: “The free online system replaces the previous permit process for some vehicles and materials, which could take up to 10 working days to approve. Residents can register up to two vehicles to their Bedford borough address, with cars and pickups registered for two years and vans for six months.
"Residents should continue to bring proof of their Bedford borough address when visiting, as they may be asked to show it. This could be a driving licence, or a current council tax bill with photo identification showing their name.”
And it added that already, a number of businesses – including a care home from Cambridge – have been turned away.
Councillor Nicky Gribble, portfolio holder for environment, said: “We are pleased that more than 26,000 vehicles have registered in the first month, and that residents have found the process easy to use. This system protects the HWRC for the Bedford borough residents who pay for it.
“The new process is quicker and simpler for residents, while helping us stop businesses and people from outside the borough using a service funded by local taxpayers.
“We have already seen a reduction in misuse. Businesses, landlords and property agents who need to dispose of waste from their properties should use the proper commercial routes.”
Visit here to register – or if you don’t have access to the web, call the council’s customer services on 01234 267422.