A road maintenance programme is to be undertaken across Moray over the next seven weeks.

The local authority has said the sections of road which are being dressed will be marked with signs, and warned motorists to take care when driving.

In a statement, Mike O'Brien, Senior Roads Technician, explained: "The operation involves the distribution of bitumen followed by an application of chippings which are rolled into the road surface with the minimum of waste.

"However, some surplus chippings do occur and there is a short period of time before these can be swept away. It is during this time that flying stone chippings can cause broken windscreens or damaged paintwork on cars.


"Loose chippings can also create the effect of a slippery road, with a very real danger of vehicles losing control and occasionally leaving the road. These problems can be avoided if drivers keep their speed well down when passing over a newly dressed surface, keep a good distance from the vehicle in front and do not attempt to overtake."

Mr O'Brien continued: "We are also very much aware that we are undertaking the redressing programme during the tourist season and we will endeavour to keep disruption to a minimum for local people and visitors alike.

"Unfortunately surface dressing has to be done in the summer months as the application of hot bitumen requires warmer road surface temperatures and relatively dry weather.

"With some 40 miles of rural roads and urban streets in Moray which need to be treated this year, the programme of redressing, which prevents roads from deteriorating from wear through traffic and weather as well as improving surface texture, takes a great deal of planning and co-ordination. "We are extremely grateful to the motoring public for their co-operation and patience while we carry out these operations."

(JP/IT)