Residents in the West End and Strathmartine have complained about plumes of dust being kicked up by passing cars as a result of recent roadworks.
Resurfacing work carried out recently in areas including Perth Road and Ardler, combined with the dry weather, has seen “unacceptable” levels of dust generated, to the concern of residents.
Drivers are being advised to slow to 20mph as part of efforts to stop stones and loose chippings kicking out from under wheels.
John Bissett, a lung disease sufferer who lives on Dalmahoy Drive, said he and other pensioners in Ardler were becoming increasingly concerned about how the dust could affect their breathing.
He said: “I’ve spoken to other pensioners living in Ardler who have told me they are finding it near impossible to move their mobility scooters over the loose road surface.
“I have COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and there has been so much dust blown from the top of the road I’ve had to construct a makeshift dust mask.”
The Road Maintenance Partnership said dust being brought about by the works was “inevitable” but recent rain should limit the amount being spread.
Strathmartine representative and council administration leader John Alexander said: “I understand people will not be entirely happy with the amount of dust being brought about by the surface. What I would ask is for people to bear with it for a short while.
“I’ve had assurances that the surface is more hard-wearing as a result of the stones being embedded into the bitumen.”
West End councillor Fraser Macpherson questioned why the Perth Road works had not been included in the council’s weekly road report.
He said: “There is no doubt that overnight rain will have helped dampen down the dust levels but I am very unhappy about the quality of the job on Perth Road and how it was left with clouds of dust blowing about.
“Lessons really do need to be learned from this and I have asked the Roads Maintenance Partnership to take steps to improve the Perth Road situation – for example by dealing with any remaining dust and removing loose chippings on the road.”
A spokesman for the Road Maintenance Partnership said: “Surface dressing works, including those carried out at Perth Road at the weekend, are not included in the weekly road report because they are mobile works and do not require a road or lane closure.
“The surfacing process requires the action of the traffic to embed the stone chips into the bitumen emulsion which will take a number of days, after which time mechanical sweeping will be carried out as required to address any loose chippings. Advisory signs have been placed indicating loose chippings and reduced traffic speed.
“Some dust is inevitable due to the process. However, this will quickly reduce and will benefit from the forecast rain overnight. In addition, the surfaced area will be monitored over the forthcoming days.”
