Calls for smaller York tips to ease traffic on James Street

As reported, traders have made a renewed plea for action to tackle the heavy congestion caused by drivers waiting to turn off James Street to reach Hazel Court Recycling Centre.

They said the queues were damaging business as customers were delayed or cancelled appointments in frustration while suppliers sometimes struggled to reach them.

City of York Council said it was monitoring visitor numbers, reviewing how the site operates and considering longer-term options ‘to improve efficiency and ease traffic congestion, with a booking system one of these possible options’.

James Gilchrist, director of environment, transport and planning, thanked visitors for their patience and advised them to pre-sort waste to make their trip quicker, and to go at quieter times – often between 4pm and 6pm.

With tip traffic proving to be such a hot potato, we asked Press readers to share their views and suggested solutions – and received dozens of replies, reflecting how big the issue has become for people across the city.

Here is a flavour of how people responded.

Janet Hinde suggested another entrance to the site while Roxanne Fitch said it was simple: “Open on a Wednesday and make green waste free again.”

Nick Duck wrote: “Utilise Harewood Whin [at Rufforth] for us on the west side of York. Alternatives if you fancy a run out are Tadcaster and Tholthorpe.”

Kevin Langan said a booking system to get timed appointments at the tip would help – a view echoed by Andy D’Agorne who went one step further when he wrote: “Create a booking system or ban right turning into the site (except for council vehicles) with camera enforcement? At very least publicise quietest and busiest times on website.”

But Jimmy Pickup wasn’t convinced: “There are a dozen or more businesses down there; blocking a right turn will kill their business even more.”

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Steve Porter had an alternative idea: “What’s needed are some smaller local tips like the one on Beckfield Lane…Doh!”

For Joseph Ellis, the answer was clear: “If the recycling took the cardboard on collection day instead of just leaving it that would cut down on the amount of visits people are having to make.”

Meanwhile, Kevin Hammell said: “Increasing number of councils elsewhere introducing a strict online booking system – not particularly popular with locals but solves the traffic issue.”

Rob Johnson noted: “Them green bins not looking so green with all the extra traffic.”

For Peter Croft, more problems have been created by the current situation: “Closing the one on Becky Lane was a mistake. Everyone having to drive into the centre to responsibly dispose of waste. Hence fly-tipping on the increase.”

Rob Stiles said: “The council should start collecting rubbish every week again, so people don’t have to take it to the tip themselves.”

Mike Wallace said: “Crazy! Why would I use the park and ride from Grimston Bar? The buses are stuck for ages when the tip is open. Someone needs to sort it out! What a joke.”