As the UK experiences a sustained period of high temperatures, local authorities are taking unusual measures to protect the nation's road network. Gritters, vehicles traditionally deployed to tackle ice and snow, are now being utilised to prevent road surfaces from melting under the intense summer sun. Highways teams across England, including in Warwickshire, Staffordshire, and Worcestershire, are actively monitoring and treating affected roads.
Richard Fenwick, director of highways at Warwickshire County Council, explained that road surfaces can reach an astonishing 50C when ambient air temperatures hit 30C or higher. This extreme heat causes the bitumen, a key component of asphalt, to liquefy and rise to the surface, a phenomenon known as 'fatting out'. This results in a smooth, shiny, and often sticky black layer that can make roads slippery and prone to damage. To counteract this, gritters are spreading granite dust and crushed stone, which absorb the excess bitumen and help stabilise the road surface.
The problem is compounded by the lack of opportunity for roads to cool down. Chris Riley, highways maintenance operations manager for Worcestershire County Council, described roads as 'storage radiators,' absorbing heat throughout the day and releasing it slowly at night. With both daytime and nighttime temperatures remaining high, the road material doesn't get a chance to solidify, making it more susceptible to melting and deformation. This can manifest as black streaks in wheel tracks and tyre marks left on the road.
While all regions of the UK are susceptible to these effects, the specific impact can vary depending on the road's construction. Heavily-used motorways and major A-roads often feature more layers of asphalt and compositions designed to withstand higher temperatures, sometimes up to 80C. Conversely, lesser-used rural roads, which may have fewer asphalt layers, could be more vulnerable to heat damage. Councils are relying on both their own scouting teams and reports from the public to identify areas needing urgent attention.
The Met Office has issued various heat warnings across England, with temperatures expected to remain elevated. While specific regional breakdowns for road surface temperatures are not available, the risk of 'fatting out' is widespread wherever prolonged direct sunlight and high ambient temperatures persist. Practical safety advice for motorists includes being aware of potentially slippery road surfaces and reporting any significant road degradation to local council highways departments.