PLANS to charge non-residents for using Hampshire tips are set to be implemented this year.

Non-Hampshire residents who want to use the county’s household waste recycling centres are expected to be charged £5 from April 1.

But charges would not apply to Dorset Council residents following an agreement between the two authorities.

Meanwhile, Hampshire County Council said the service would be free for Hampshire residents – but they will have to register online as the new system will be controlled by automatic numberplate recognition.

A spokesperson said if Hampshire residents do not register, they will be asked to do so when they arrive at a recycling centre.

Residents have until March 31 to register and the new charges will be implemented from April 1, 2020, if approved, a county council document reveals.

The timescale is expected to be approved by Councillor Rob Humby, executive member for economy, transport and environment, on Tuesday.

A report published ahead of the meeting says: “From April 1 to May 31 there will be a period of flexible enforcement in recognition of the fact that a long period of time may need to be provided to allow residents to sign up to the system.

“Promotion on site will continue during this period and site staff will engage with those flagged by the system as not registered, to give reminders to sign up ahead of full enforcement from June 1.”

Cllr Humby said the charge will be brought in to offset the £500,000 annual cost of dealing with waste from non-Hampshire residents visiting sites in the county.

He added: “This will contribute to our drive to manage costs across all services to help bridge the shortfall in our budget due to reductions in our funding from government, rising costs and inflation, and growing demand for council services.”

A draft proposal has been agreed between Hampshire and Dorset. This sees a “straightforward split” of the costs of operating Somerley HWRC.