County prepares for effects of heatwave on roads

Shropshire's highways maintenance teams are preparing for the effects that extreme heat may have on road surfaces this week as temperatures soar.

The Met Office has placed the county under an amber warning for extreme heat, with temperatures forecast to reach as high as 40C (104F) on Thursday.

According to the Road Surface Treatments Association, most roads will not begin to soften until they hit a temperature of about 50C (122F).

However, it said even a sunny day in the 20s could be enough to generate 50C on the ground, because dark road surfaces absorb heat that builds up during the day.

Shropshire Council said it would deal with any highways issues as and when they occurred during this week's heatwave.

On Monday, the UK Health Security Agency issued a red heat-health alert for the West Midlands which will be in place from 01:00 BST on Wednesday until 23:00 BST on Thursday.

Advice has also been issued to schools, advising against vigorous activities in the heat, and advocating the use of sunscreen and sun hats and a relaxation of school uniform rules.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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