From Monday, February 2, those who wish to use the recycling centre in Weston-super-Mare will have to book beforehand.

And from Monday, March 2, these changes will include the sites in Portishead and Backwell.

North Somerset Council has said they have introduced the booking system to “reduce queues, make visits easier and ensure [the] sites are working as efficiently as possible”.

But residents have written letters to the North Somerset Times and Weston Mercury, saying these changes will increase the risk of fly-tipping, as some residents will be unable or unwilling to use the online booking system.

David Oyns, a former North Somerset Councillor, shared his concerns about people missing their booking slot.

He said: “Are recycling staff expected to check that people arrive at their booked time? So, what happens if they arrive early or have missed their slot? Black Rock has narrow roads; with traffic building up ‘offending’ vehicles will(?) be sent away unloaded.

“To do what, take the recycling back home and make another booking if the booking time has been missed? Such an abhorrent consequence for those with environmental consciousness who then must make two or perhaps more journeys!”

Mr Oyns also suggested the initiative is “ill-conceived”, and “likely to irritate residents, take recycling centre staff off their recycling duties, reduce the through-put of users and may increase fly-tipping”.

North Somerset Council said slots are 15 minutes long and can be booked up to 10 minutes before you reach the site. The council explained that staff may refuse entry if you have missed your slot – but they will try to accommodate where possible.

They also said bookings can be made on behalf of someone else, and there will also be a phone booking system available.

For more on the recycling centre changes, visit https://n-somerset.gov.uk/my-services/bins-recycling/recycling-centres/book-visit-recycling-centre.

Councillor Annemieke Waite, North Somerset Council’s cabinet member for planning and environment, said: “Alongside our comprehensive kerbside collections, the recycling centres are an important way for our residents to get rid of their unwanted items responsibly.

“By introducing a simple, quick online booking system, we can reduce queues, make visits easier, and ensure our sites are working as efficiently as possible for everyone.

“This change will bring us in line with our neighbouring authorities who all have successful and well-liked booking systems in place.’’

Ron Fieldhouse, from Weston-super-Mare, also wrote a letter raising concerns about the new booking system.

He added: “The current method ensures maximum vehicle throughput; it is obvious a booking system will reduce this.

“My conclusion is that fly tipping would become rifer and more obvious.”

But he did add that the “site operatives” are always “helpful and polite”.