RESTRICTIONS at BCP Council recycling centres are being rolled back, as lockdown measures continue to ease across the country.

From Saturday, May 1, more cars will be permitted on site and two people will be able to get out of their vehicles to unload waste.

Under strict Covid guidelines vehicle numbers have been restricted in recent months, with just one person able to get out and unload.

Other improvements coming into force from May include the reintroduction of containers for recycling, including hard plastics, and the removal of barriers defining social distanced tipping areas.

Civic chiefs hope these measures will reduce waiting times and congestion on site and on surrounding roads.

Also, it should ease the disposal of bulkier items – which require two people to carry.

Ian Poultney, head of sustainability and strategic development at BCP Council, said: "We are pleased to be able to lift some of the measures in place in order to create a more efficient service on site, especially before the bank holiday weekend where we anticipate an increase in visitors.

"Additional resources were put in place to manage the exceptionally high numbers of visitors we were receiving, particularly with traffic management in the local areas of the sites.

"However, we will now be able to allow an increased number of vehicles which will reduce the traffic congestion in the surrounding areas, benefitting both residents and local businesses.

"We still ask that if you do visit our recycling centres, check our website prior to visiting to read about the measures that are still in place.

"Please continue to be patient and kind to our staff who are there to help where they can, and most importantly keep everyone safe on site.”

Measures remaining in place at BCP Council recycling centres includes the wearing of face masks and social distancing.

Staff on site will not be able to help with the unloading of vehicles.

BCP Council operates household recycling centres at Milhams, Bournemouth; Nuffield Industrial Estate, Poole; Wilverley Road, Christchurch