Unpaved haul routes can account for a significant proportion of fugitive dust emissions, especially in dry or windy conditions, when the generation of dust through the movement of vehicles is exacerbated. It is recommended that to comply with good practice, developers should as far as possible ensure that hard surfaces or paving are used for all haul routes, even if routes are temporary.

It is important that haul routes and local access roads are kept free of dust as far as possible and are swept regularly. Where possible, this should be water-assisted to increase damping down. However, care should be taken to not to contaminate sewers or local waterways.

Wheel washing 

Vehicles – in particular wheels – should be washed or cleaned before leaving the site. At low risk sites, this might be by means of hosing, but at most sites wheel wash facilities should be installed, preferably with the application of rumble grids to dislodge accumulated dust and mud. Ideally the route from the wheel wash to the public road should be a paved. Where layout permits, the site access gates should be located at least 10m from receptors.

Covering vehicles

All vehicles carrying dusty materials should be securely covered before leaving the site, to prevent dust spilling on the road and being swept away by the wind.

Dust suppressants

The GLA have recommended the dust suppressant for use at road sides and along roads close to and within construction and industrial waste sites with high levels of local PM10 pollution.