Open Letter to the Local Government Ombudsman A FEW weeks ago, Buckinghamshire County Council erected barriers at their Civic Amenity Sites followed shortly thereafter with the erection of signs: Cars Only No Vans or Pick-Ups.>

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I strongly object

to tip barriers

Open Letter to the Local Government Ombudsman

A FEW weeks ago, Buckinghamshire County Council erected barriers at their Civic Amenity Sites followed shortly thereafter with the erection of signs: Cars Only No Vans or Pick-Ups.

I am informed by Councillor Chapple, Chairman of Environmental Services Committee, that these policy decisions are aimed primarily at trade waste operators and are estimated to achieve a saving of £100,000 per annum.

I support the objective but I strongly object to the methods adopted for its achievement.

The owners of Range Rovers, MPVs and some 4 x 4 vehicles have to park their vehicles at the barrier and carry their domestic waste to the skips.

I own and run a small van for domestic and charitable purposes and also have to park at the barrier and carry my domestic waste to the skips.

As a council taxpayer, I strongly object to being provided with a significantly-inferior service compared to other members of the public who drive cars.

I have raised these points with Councillor Chapple but the replies I have received have not addressed them (copies can be provided if required).

In my view, this policy change and its execution have been grossly mismanaged on the following grounds:

1) The signs that have been erected at the Civic Amenity Sites, Cars Only No Vans or Pick-Ups, would seem to achieve the BCC objective. The significant cost of erecting height barriers is therefore a total waste of money.

2) The use of the signs without the height barrier would have avoided the discriminating against the owners of Range Rovers, MPVs and some 4 x 4 vehicles.

3) No provision has been made for vans belonging to private owners for domestic purposes and no provision has been made for vans used by charities.

4) Some council taxpayers in Buckinghamshire are being provided with a significantly inferior service compared to those who drive small cars.

I request that you investigate this matter as soon as possible.

John T Lewis

Woodside Road

Beaconsfield

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