Gritting teams have been sent out to tackle melting roads as high temperatures hit Worcestershire.
Heat over 30C can cause roads, especially those which have recently been resurfaced, to soften and shed bitumen, such as along Camp Hill Road in Worcester.
Instead of spreading salt, crushed stone is being used in the grit spreaders.
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Cllr Tom Wells, cabinet member for Highways at Worcestershire County Council said: We know that gritters are something our residents associate with winter, snow and ice. During periods of extreme heat, however, gritting vehicles can also play an important role in protecting the highway network.
“Crushed stone, rather than traditional salt, helps absorb excess bitumen and reduces the risk of road surfaces melting by reflecting more of the sun’s rays.
Gritters are using crushed stones instead of salt to protect the roads (Image: Newsquest)
“Our teams are doing everything they can during this heatwave to keep the county’s roads safe for motorists and help limit the damage that high temperatures can cause to road surfaces.”
Motorists have been warned to take extra care on the roads and prepare for potential disruption during the red weather warning for extreme heat.
