A new scheme aiming to clamp down on illegal use of a Sutton recycling centre – while deterring “irresponsible traders” – is being piloted.

The new van and large vehicle scheme will be in force from December 3 at the Kimpton Park Way Re-Use and Recycling Centre site near to Minden Road.

Motorists in certain types of vehicles will need to register online by 4pm the day before they visit.

Meanwhile, residents who go to this site in vehicles that are covered by the new initiative will be limited to 12 visits in any 12-month rolling period.

Vans, pick-up trucks, minibuses with 10 or more seats, vehicles with panels replaces with rear windows, or vehicles with rear seats taken out, are all subject to the new rules.

Kingston and Sutton councils, who are part of the South London Waste Partnership (SLWP), have collaborated together on the new programme.

The Villiers Road site in Kingston is said to be often used by traders to dump their waste in it, according to analysis of automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) data.

Both authorities insist the aim of the new scheme is to prevent illegal use of their respective sites by “rogue traders”.

Cllr Manuel Abellan, Sutton Council representative on the South London Waste Partnership Joint Committee, said: “By clamping down on the illegal use of our household reuse and recycling centre (HRRC) sites, we will save money and shorten the queue times for genuine site users.

“The objective of this pilot scheme is to target site abuse but not to hinder the use of the sites by honest residents who happen to drive larger vehicles.

“This is a difficult balance to strike.

“We hope that residents will work with us during the pilot period so we can learn lessons and make adjustments where necessary.”

Both Kingston and Sutton’s HRRCs are managed by waste contractor Veolia on behalf of the SWLP boroughs – comprising Croydon, Kingston, Merton, and Sutton.

Christine Stacey, Veolia’s contract manager for the SLWP HRRCs, said: “Our teams on site will be supporting and advising residents while this scheme is introduced as well as implementing the new rules to protect the facilities from illegal trade use.

“I would ask residents to work with us while this is happening so we can achieve our goals of ensuring fair usage of the sites, reducing waiting times for legitimate site users and keeping costs down.”

For more information, visit: www.sutton.gov.uk/vanpermit