Agenda item

This report asks the Committee to review and comment on the short to medium term future options for the operating of the city’s the Hazel Court HWRC.

The Committee considered the report outlining options for the Executive to consider regarding addressing an increasing build up of traffic outside of Hazel Court’s Household Waste and Recycling Centre (HWRC) on James Street. Officers outlined that James Street had seen an increase in businesses operating on the street since Hazel Court opened in 2006, the Council also had Towthorpe HWRC which both closed on Wednesdays in line with North Yorkshire sites. Officers confirmed that they were seeking the Committees opinion on the proposed options for addressing traffic issues on James Street to assist in informing the Executive’s decision, of which the proposed option from Officers was to implement a booking system.

The Committee discussed the proposed booking system and agreed that an open booking system could assist in addressing congestion on James Street. They also acknowledged the success of a booking system at the HWRCs once early issues had been addressed during Covid.

Members considered the prospect of restricting bookings to York residents using car registration numbers. The Committee raised several concerns relating to administering this system such as for those without a car being helped by someone outside of York, such as parents of university students, or family members for older residents without a car. Members also highlighted a potential impact on residents using company cars which could be registered outside of the city. Officers acknowledged these potential issues if access to the HWRC’s were restricted to York residents only. Officers also noted that North Yorkshire Council were considering proposals to restrict access to their HWRC’s be only for North Yorkshire residents. The Committee noted this potential change at North Yorkshire and hoped that discussions could ensure York residents access to North Yorkshire HWRC’s where appropriate.

Members asked about whether the proposed community skip days, which were proposed as part of a move to a booking system, might be able to continue if successful. Officers confirmed that they did not have plans for community skip days to exist outside of the transition period but could be explored in the budget.

The Committee enquired whether reopening on a Wednesday might help address congestion on James Street and whether it would help to limit this to businesses. Officers noted that a lot of regular visiting business come multiple days a week meaning a specific day would likely not assist with this congestion. Officers also noted that the HWRCs were already open outside of there peak times of 10am to 2pm and therefore, do not believe opening an extra day would change congestion in those peak times. It was also confirmed that the Council already promoted people to use Towthorpe over Hazel Court. Members also asked whether the Council was exploring moving the Hazel Court site. Officers confirmed that moving the site was an option to explore but would not be a short to medium term solution to the congestion issues.

Resolved:

                         i.         The Committee supported the implementation of an online booking system for Hazel Court HWRC only, so that the Council can average out the number of visits to the Hazel Court HWRC throughput the operational days.

Reason:     To reduce the traffic congestion on James Street and Hazel Court but not restrict the total number per day as the HWRC can meet the demand of materials being taken.