Gritters being used to stop Cumbria's roads meltingGritters have been deployed in Cumbria today because roads are melting.
Cumbria County Council says they are spreading rock dust due to bitumen melting and rising to the top of the road surface.
The Met Office has forecast highs of up to 27 degrees today with the warm spell set to continue until Friday.
The gritters are usually deployed during cold weather but the fleet is spreading the dust in an effort to protect road surfaces.
The high temperatures mean some bitumen surfaces have started to become sticky and viscous and under these conditions, can become stuck to tyres.
The crushed rock, in particle sizes between 3mm and dust, helps protect roads and vehicles from damage by putting a non-stick layer between road and tyre.
Coun Keith Little, Cabinet member for highways, said: “The process is a bit like when you roll dough, you have to flour the surface first in order for the dough to stop sticking. It shows we’re having the foresight to protect our roads from longer term damage, saving money and also avoiding damage to people’s vehicles.”
Roads being treated today include the A595 Seven Acres to Greengarth junction; Wath Brow to Ennerdale; A5086 Edgars Garage to Lamplugh School junction and the A595 Holmrook to Irton Hall.
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