Cheshire East's booking system for tips is set to undergo a transformation, addressing the growing concerns over long queues and traffic hazards. The recent closure of three sites has led to a surge in traffic at the remaining household waste recycling centres (HWRCs), causing significant congestion on main roads. This issue was first brought to the council's attention in September 2024, and Cheshire East has now acknowledged the problem.
The existing booking system, introduced in August 2024, was designed to manage the use of the four remaining HWRCs during weekends, a time when the sites were historically busiest. However, residents have started using the tips more frequently during the week to bypass the booking system, resulting in long queues, particularly at Macclesfield and Crewe. This shift in usage patterns has led to a critical situation, with residents queuing on the public highway, causing hazardous road conditions.
A report to the Environment and Communities Committee highlights the severity of the problem, stating that 'queues at the HWRCs during the early part of the week often transcend the site boundaries, meaning that residents are queuing on the public highway.' The report specifically mentions the Macclesfield site, where the entrance is on the main public highway at the top of a hill, and the Crewe site, where the access road also serves a major industrial employment site. These locations are particularly prone to traffic hazards due to their positions on busy roads.
The committee will be asked to approve alterations to the booking system to address health and safety concerns and alleviate traffic congestion. This decision comes after the council was warned of the dangers, especially at Macclesfield, as far back as 16 months ago. During the controversial vote to permanently close the tips at Poynton, Bollington, and Middlewich, residents expressed their concerns about the Macclesfield site's struggle to cope with the increased traffic. Poynton town councillor Laurence Clarke noted the closures had led to 'more traffic on the roads, with big queues outside Macclesfield tip on Congleton Road.' Social media reports at the time also depicted queues stretching as far back as the Flower Pot junction in Macclesfield.
The Environment and Communities Committee meeting, scheduled for January 29 at 10:30 am in Macclesfield Town Hall, will play a pivotal role in determining the future of the booking system and the safety of residents and commuters.
