Complaints abate after council tackles gravel puncture issues

Gareth Phillips
Gareth Phillips
The Clutha District Council is "between a rock and a hard place" as it steps up efforts to address a recent spate of punctures among users of unsealed roads.

At a service delivery committee meeting in Balclutha on Thursday, council operations manager Gareth Phillips said there had been "quite an increase" in puncture complaints this winter, affecting areas across the district.

The Otago Daily Times reported on the upsurge last month, following approaches from rural residents concerned at council "inaction" after some had received as many as eight punctures in a single fortnight.

In his report to the committee, Mr Phillips described a range of short-term measures taken to address the immediate problem, and longer-term steps under consideration.

He said complaints appeared to have abated, suggesting immediate measures at trouble spots - including regrading, application of smaller gravel, and more stringent checks on gravel quality and road surfaces - may have been effective.

During investigations into the problem, suppliers' methods of gravel preparation were scrutinised, which

had revealed the type and speed of crushing could influence gravel shape and sharpness.

"We're aware of three main crusher types - cone, jaw and hammer mill. Local geology and machine type may need to be better matched to produce a more rounded stone."

Mr Phillips said "industry experts" would lead workshops and site inspections this month, which were expected to yield fresh insights on aggregate standards, selection and application.

Council roading contractor SouthRoads was also improving the way it recorded inspection results, allowing for better prioritisation of urgent faults in future.

Although the changes were expected to improve matters overall, he said "a few" punctures remained inevitable.

Drivers could also do their part to avoid issues.

"We'd like to see a reduction in speed on loose metal roads, both for dust suppression, vehicle protection and courtesy to other road users. Speed reduction should also reduce the impact of rock shards piercing tyres."

Kaka Point nurse Raewyn Snell, who spoke to the ODT following a rash of five punctures on Port Molyneux Rd last month, said that smacked of the council "passing the buck".

"They're deflecting blame on to drivers again. Unfortunately I haven't seen any change on my road, so it's just a case of when's the next puncture."

Mr Phillips said the council took pride in its work, and was seeking a "good solution".

"Until then, we're between a rock and a hard place."

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