AA President Edmund Kind has warned the UK’s already deteriorating roads were under strain during the extreme heatwave as temperatures reached the mid-30°Cs for large parts of July and August=.

Mr Kind said air temperatures in the low-to-mid 30°C range could translate into much higher road surface temperatures as the asphalt absorbs and stores heat, causing some roads to soften and leading highways authorities to go out with gritters to stabilise the surface, reports The Independent.

“In prolonged hot weather, some road surfaces can soften, become sticky and, in places, start to rut under heavy traffic,” he explained.

“The main risk for drivers isn’t that roads suddenly melt everywhere, but that already vulnerable patches can become tacky, uneven or start to deteriorate. That can affect braking, steering and grip, and can throw up loose material.”

He said the UK already had a major pothole problem and extreme weather – hot summers as well as cold winter conditions – “doesn’t help”.

“This is more than an inconvenience or a repair bill. Potholes and deteriorating surfaces are a road-safety issue,” he warned.

Drivers are being urged to slow down on poorer local and rural roads, look well ahead, leave extra space and expect to encounter substandard surfaces.

(Picture: Magnific)