More than 150,000 visits have been made to Milton Keynes’ tips since May 2020, when the booking system was introduced.
This system, which sees residents book a time slot, was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic - although Milton Keynes Council has confirmed that it will be permanent.
The local authority says this will allow people to avoid queues on the sites, which previously on peak days could mean queuing for up to 30 minutes to enter a tip.
Milton Keynes Council said that during some busy periods, they would even need to put emergency traffic control measures in place to avoid people queuing on busy roads.
Based on attempted bookings, Milton Keynes Council estimates as many as one in five people using Milton Keynes’ tips were actually coming from outside the borough.
The bookings system has stopped that misuse, as a Milton Keynes address is needed to complete the booking, meaning there is less strain on local resources.
Last month, Milton Keynes Council updated the online booking system to make it easier to use.
One local resident said: “I prefer booking my slot in advance, it’s not only saved me time but allowed me to plan ahead and I don’t have to queue like before.”
Cllr Emily Darlington, Cabinet Member for the Public Realm, added: “Introducing an online booking system has helped us make visiting the tip a better and less busy experience for our residents, and it’s safer too as we can prevent queuing on the road network. We’ve updated the system itself so it’s easier to use, and we’ll continue to make sure the maximum number of safe slots are available to book.”
“By moving across to an online booking system, we have successfully improved the experience for our residents, and it’s helped to prevent queuing on the road network.”
“As national lockdown restrictions ease, more people will want to use MK’s tips.”
However, some councillors have also had their doubts about the system in recent months, saying that although it will save the Council up to £160,000 yearly, it could increase costs in other areas such as the clearing up of fly-tipping.
Fly-tipping is something which the Council will not tolerate, and Cllr Paul Williams (Lab, Central MK) says the booking system is "no excuse" for it.
