FURIOUS residents have criticised proposals to make booking systems a permanent feature at recycling centres across the county.

Essex County Council has launched a consultation following a seven-month trial of the system, claiming the booking system was successful in “effectively manages peak times, reduces congestion, and curtails misuse by commercial vehicles”.

Previously, Southend Labour councillor Lydia Hyde said Southend was facing issues with dumped waste, saying the city “ends up with the flytipping issues from Rochford residents suffering with the system, who give up trying to get in”.

Similar concerns had been raised across the county in relation to flytipping.

Marco Figueira, a Canvey resident, said: “I’m angry because we pay council tax and should be able to go to the tip any time we need to.

“It’s going to cause more fly tipping. You only have to drive around Essex and see fly tipping everywhere and the booking system has made it worse and now, it’s even happening outside my house.

“On Sunday evening, a van turned up and dumps rubbish on payment and drives off.

“Essex County Council is not reading the room and seeing what is actually happening; fly tipping is a big problem now because of these decisions.”

Essex County Council runs recycling centres in Canvey Road, Canvey, Pitsea Hall Lane, Pitsea and Castle Road, Rayleigh.

Southend Council manages its recycling centres.

Darren Lane, another south Essex resident, added: “It’s pathetic because it is just another attempt to cut costs and yet council tax rises year on year.

“If we had more recycling centres then they wouldn’t so so busy.

“As a result, this will cause problems with fly tipping.”

A spokesman for Essex County Council said: “There is never any justification for fly tipping. It’s a criminal offence that can result in prosecution. We are not receiving reports of residents having issues getting booking slots at our recycling centres and our figures are showing availability both during the week and at weekends.”

It adds it is “fully committed to working with councils, the Environment Agency and other enforcement bodies in Essex to ensure the appropriate investigations and action is taken against those that chose to fly tip and will continue to monitor the situation”.