Drivers urged to take care during roads maintenance

Date Added - 07/05/09

Motorists in Moray are being urged to take extra care over the next six to eight weeks as roads in the area undergo surface dressing as part of Moray Council’s annual road maintenance programme.

Sections of road which are being treated will be marked with signs and drivers are urged to keep their speed to within 20mph, both for their own safety and that of the operatives working on site.

It will also ensure that damage to newly laid surfaces is kept to a minimum.

Redressing prevents roads from deteriorating as a result of wear from traffic and weather and improves surface texture.

The work involves the application of bitumen and 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 up.

It is during this period that flying stone chippings can cause broken windscreens or damaged paintwork on vehicles.

“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,” said area technician Julie Ballantyne.

“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. To avoid damage to the new surface, sudden braking or acceleration should be avoided.”

Miss Ballantyne said the roads maintenance section was very much aware that the redressing programme was being carried out during the tourist season and every effort would be made to keep disruption to a minimum for local people and tourists.

“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,” she explained.

“With some 35 miles or rural roads, several urban streets and a number of public car parks in Moray needing to be treated this year, the programme of redressing 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.”