Drivers visiting Sheffield tip face fines under emergency powers to tackle dangerously long queues

The line of cars waiting to enter Blackstock Road Household Waste Recycling Centre in Gleadless Valley often stretches back some 200 metres, and alarming footage has been shared of drivers overtaking on the wrong side of the road to avoid the tailback.

More than 200 people have signed a petition demanding urgent safety measures and it seems Sheffield Council has responded.

The only 'essential trips' you can make to Sheffield's waste recycling centres without risking a fine

Councillor Cate McDonald tweeted: “The current situation with traffic queuing outside Blackstock Road HWRC is unsustainable. I have pressed cabinet members for a solution.

“In response, Sheffield Council has now put in place an emergency TRO (traffic regulation order) giving officers powers to move vehicles on or issue parking notices.”

The exact details of the TRO are not yet clear, with neither the council nor Councillor McDonald responding to a request for further information.

This is when secondary schools are due to begin reopening, and which pupils will return first

Sheffield’s five recycling centres have remained open during the coronavirus lockdown but only for essential visits where residents are unable to store items safely at home.

The number of vehicles allowed on site at any time has been limited to protect the health of workers and visitors.

The council and Veolia, which runs the sites, say there have been numerous incidents where visitors have threatened and verbally assaulted staff there. They have warned the facilities could close if people do not start showing workers more respect.