Committee agrees next steps for Yaldhurst dust monitoring and congestion charging

Date: 18 Jun 2026

The Strategy and Policy Committee agreed next steps for dust monitoring in Yaldhurst and approved a submission on proposed congestion charging rules at its meeting on Wednesday.

Next steps for both pieces of work were decided on, with a focus on building better information for future decisions and supporting practical transport options for residents.

Proposed dust monitoring in Yaldhurst

The Strategy and Policy Committee has agreed to support a preferred approach for a quarry dust monitoring programme in Yaldhurst.

This is an early step towards building a credible evidence base about local dust conditions and how they may be affecting the community.

Any monitoring would still need to be considered as part of the Long-Term Plan 2027-37, where priorities and funding are assessed across the region. The Long-Term Plan will go out for public consultation in early 2027.

As a next step, staff will undertake further engagement with affected communities and quarry representatives to test confidence in the preferred monitoring approach. This will help inform any future Long-Term Plan funding decision.

If the work progresses, targeted engagement would help ensure the final monitoring programme reflects local concerns and works for those most affected.

In the meantime, we will continue working with communities and partners to better understand dust issues and the practical options available.

We will also continue to monitor compliance with dust management requirements and take action where needed.

Report dust issues at any time by calling our 24/7 Incident Response line on

0800 765 588. If the environmental incident is not urgent, then please fill out this form

Congestion charges and public transport

Councillors considered and approved a submission on the Government’s proposed time of use (congestion) charging rules, which aim to manage traffic demand and improve travel times.

The Council supports the intent but strongly recommends exempting public transport. It argues charging buses would raise operating costs, potentially increase fares, and undermine efforts to encourage people out of cars – reducing the effectiveness of the scheme.

The submission will now be lodged with the Ministry of Transport, contributing to final decisions before the charging system’s planned introduction in late 2026. When finalised, it can be read on our submissions page.

Read our submissions:

View submissions Environment Canterbury has made on national and regional policy proposals.