Hot and dry temperatures over the last week in the Queenstown Lakes District had resulted in the acceleration of dust problems on unsealed roads, QLDC Wanaka operations manager Chris Hawker said.

"We are getting a lot of comment at the moment over the condition of some of the unsealed roads in the district, in some cases people consider the conditions dangerous," Mr Hawker said.

It was essential that drivers used their common sense when travelling on dusty roads and drove to the conditions.

"That means that if you can't see for the dust, slow down until you can," Mr Hawker said.

The conditions mainly related to the fact that the weather had been extremely hot and many of the roads had dried out completely.

"Because we have very little clay in our area, the binding capability of the maintenance gravel used on our roads is not strong and this results in the high dust levels. With the current extreme conditions there is unfortunately little we can do to reduce the dust," Mr Hawker said.

Watering had been suggested by members of the community however; regrettably watering was not a viable option due to cost and the fact that the effect is lost in a matter of hours.

The Council's dust suppression programme, which was doubled in 2002, was about to begin again with the second application of oil where houses were close to the road.

"Many areas now need only a light reapplication. However, this does not resolve the dust issues outside the areas we treat and the dusty conditions will continue until more rain arrives to damped things down," Mr Hawker said.

Meanwhile individuals could coordinate with neighbours to arrange and pay for a private oiling by contacting Council contractor Works Infrastructure (03) 441 4271.

ENDS

For more information contact Chris Hawker 03 443 8197

By: Tamah