PASSES to visit the borough’s recycling centres are going digital with paper passes being phased out later this year.
Residents are being asked to sign-up for a digital account where they can apply for a vehicle, resident and pedestrian pass as part of the scheme.
Initially, both digital and paper passes will be accepted at the recycling centres before all passes go fully digital later this year with the council encouraging residents to apply for their digital account prior to full launch.
ANPR technology will be used for an automated pass/permit scheme. The council says this will be more convenient for residents with reduced wait times, freeing up staff to provide more assistance, and allowing residents to manage their account access 24/7.
As well as offering an easier way to visit the recycling centres, the digital passes will allow residents to visit recycling centres in Doncaster as part of a joint partnership working agreement with Doncaster Council.
Coun James Higginbottom, Cabinet Spokesperson for Environment and Highways said: “Making the Household Waste Recycling Centre passes digital forms part of our ongoing work to offer a better user experience for residents attending the recycling centres. Not only will residents no longer need to carry any logbooks or windscreen passes but we hope that the change will make recycling waste at recycling centres a seamless and better experience for everyone.
“While the shift to digital will feel like a big change to residents, the sign-up process will be simpler than the current system and will broaden the range of vehicles allowed into sites, making them more accessible to residents.
“By initially introducing the digital passes alongside the paper versions, we hope to iron out any problems residents may face before the scheme goes completely digital later in the year and we believe this will greatly benefit residents in the long run.”
The council is encouraging those who aren’t online or do not have access to the internet to seek help from friends, family, or neighbours. Alternatively, they can visit their local library to access computers where staff will be on hand to assist them with the sign up process. Staff will also be at the recycling centres to answer any questions residents may have on the digital passes.
The link to sign up for a digital account and a full list of FAQs is available to view on the council website.