Special arrangements are in place to control vehicle access to Chelson Meadow household waste recycling centre following its reopening.
The site is working at around half its normal capacity and the number of cars allowed in are reduced. People are strongly advised to avoid unnecessary visits and if they do go they are warned to expect long waiting times.
A queuing system is in place to ensure everyone’s safety and help keep traffic moving along Laira Bridge and Billacombe Road. This is being strictly controlled to maintain access for local residents and businesses, as well as Council waste trucks needing to get in and out.
All cars now access The Ride from the outbound side of Laira Bridge, using a dedicated queuing lane. There is no right-turn into The Ride, except for refuse vehicles, commercial waste operators and residents and businesses of The Ride.
Cars heading towards the site from Billacombe Road need to continue along the inbound side of Laira Bridge, take the left slip towards Faraday Mill and then head back towards Laira Bridge via Faraday Road and Finnigan Road.
The traffic management plan, agreed with Devon and Cornwall Police, include ‘keep clear’ areas and stop/go controls along The Ride, as well as vehicle ‘stacking’ similar to that used for the Torpoint Ferry.
Visitors should stay in their cars while queuing to maintain social distancing and not get out on site until they need to. Anyone who doesn’t comply with the social distancing guidance in place will be asked to leave. No-one should visit if they are unwell.
If the queue is full, drivers will be turned away and asked to try later. A maximum of two adults are allowed per car – strictly no children. No vans or trailers are allowed (even if you are a permit holder) and there is no pedestrian access to the site. Staff cannot be able to help with unloading.
Councillor Sue Dann, Cabinet Member for Environment and Street Scene said: “We know that people will be keen to get rid of their waste but we strongly urge people not to visit the site unless it’s absolutely essential.
“If you do visit, be prepared for much longer waiting times than usual – and to be turned away if the queue is full. We have to ensure safe access for everyone and we cannot allow the congestion we saw on surrounding roads before the site closed."
The centre is only be accepting garden waste (not soil), electrical equipment and bagged household waste (as you would normally put in your brown bin). The following items will not be taken:
- Antifreeze, asbestos or chemicals
- Batteries (car or household)
- Fluorescent tubes or low energy lamps
- Gas bottles
- Hazardous waste
- Plasterboard
- Paint
- Oil (cooking or engine)
- Soil or hardcore
As always, the centre is only be open to Plymouth residents and visitors should display proof of address, such as a council tax, gas or electricity bill, in their windscreen.
Weston Mill recycling centre remains closed until further notice.