NON-HAMPSHIRE residents will have to pay to use the county’s tips from August 1, while Hampshire residents must register their vehicles for continued, automatic free access.

More than 345,000 Hampshire households have already registered for the new e-permit system which will be controlled by automatic number plate recognition, and will see visitors from other counties (excluding Dorset residents) charged £5 per visit.

Councillor Rob Humby, executive member for economy, transport and environment at Hampshire County Council, said: “Dealing with household waste is costly, which is why a number of our neighbouring authorities have already banned residents from outside their areas using their household waste recycling centres (HWRCs).

“This is not our intention in Hampshire – instead, a charge of £5 per visit for non-Hampshire residents will be introduced from August to offset the £500,000 annual cost of dealing with waste from non-Hampshire residents.”

The e-permit scheme was originally intended to begin on April 1, but its roll-out was delayed after HWRCs were closed at the end of March following Government advice on essential travel during the coronavirus lockdown.