Motorists may be asked to leave if they continue to cause large queues at Northampton tip

This afternoon (Tuesday, March 9) saw a one hour wait at Sixfields Household Waste Recycling Centre (SHWRC), with the queue of cars stretching all the way back to the main roundabout in the area.

It is believed the heavy traffic at the centre has been like this since the turn of the New Year, with signs outside the tip telling motorists they can expect to wait to get inside.

According to the recycling centre's website, "the HWRCs are extremely busy and visitor numbers are high".

A SHWRC spokesperson said: "Please be aware that the sites may temporarily close throughout the day to disperse traffic. Vehicles that continue to queue and obstruct the approach roads may be asked to return to the site at a different time. Please consider if your visit is absolutely necessary."

Jason Smithers, from Northamptonshire County Council, which runs the site, said: “We are aware that the Household Waste Recycling Centres have become increasing busy and that queues are forming at peak periods.

"Temporary closures have been necessary at Corby HWRC due to queues forming on the highway. We are currently acting on instructions from Northamptonshire Police that queues on the highway will not be tolerated, therefore we are closely monitoring the situation at all our sites and considering options to help alleviate queues.

"Easter is traditionally the busiest weekend of the year, and site throughput is slower than normal because of mandatory social distancing measures in place at all sites. Therefore, we are asking all residents to:

- Reduce the number of times you visit the Household Waste Recycling centres by considering if you can safely store small amounts of waste, and use kerbside collection services for additional recyclable materials like cardboard

- Please be patient and expect to queue, being considerate to other road users by ensuing you don’t cause an obstruction on the highway

- Separate your waste to enable unloading your vehicle to be as fast as possible.”