GRITTING crews are on standby in a bid to help tackle the impact of hot weather on local roads.
Staffordshire County Council said its teams were ready to spread granite dust on routes.
Bitumen on roads can often soften and rise to the surface during hot temperatures, but the gritting crews help to absorb it and stabilise the carriageway.
During the last spell of hot weather in June, around 30 roads across the county were tackled.
Cllr Peter Mason, Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for strategic highways, said:
"Most people think of gritters as something we use in winter, but they are just as important when temperatures rise and road surfaces are put under pressure by the heat.
"Our highways teams will be keeping a close eye on conditions over the coming days, and we have four gritters ready across the county to spread granite dust wherever it is needed.
"We would also ask motorists to take sensible steps in the heat – plan journeys, carry water and allow extra time, especially if travelling during the hottest part of the day."
