Gritters could be deployed on UK roads this week as extreme heat causes surfaces to soften, while motoring organisations urge drivers to pack emergency kits including umbrellas and water. The AA warned that high temperatures may make road surfaces tacky or uneven, affecting braking and steering, especially for motorcyclists and cyclists.
AA Warns of Sticky Roads and Vehicle Strain
Edmund King, AA president, said: “The main risk for drivers is not that the road suddenly ‘melts’ everywhere, but that patches can become tacky or uneven. That can affect braking, steering and grip, especially for motorcyclists and cyclists, and can also throw up loose material.” He advised drivers encountering softened surfaces to slow down, avoid harsh braking or steering, and leave extra space from the vehicle ahead.
The AA also cautioned that heat puts extra strain on vehicles, with under-inflated, damaged, or old tyres particularly prone to failure in hotter conditions. “Before a long journey, check tyre pressures, tread and sidewalls, and carry water in case you are delayed,” Mr King added. “In these temperatures the advice remains never to leave passengers or animals unattended in parked cars even for short periods when the interior of the car can soon get as hot as an oven.”
Met Office Issues Rare Red Warning
The warnings come as the Met Office issued a red warning for extreme heat across the centre of the UK for Wednesday and Thursday. RAC road safety spokesperson Rod Dennis emphasised the severity: “Red extreme heat warnings are rare and we urge everyone to take them seriously this week. Drivers whose vehicles don't have effective air conditioning should strongly consider postponing any non-essential car journeys until the Met Office’s weather warnings are lifted and temperatures drop.”
Dennis also predicted record breakdown numbers: “This week could end up being a record-breaking one for June - not just because of the heat, but also for the number of drivers breaking down. Our last busiest June was three years ago, but there’s every chance that could be eclipsed this week as temperatures soar. Today, we expect breakdown volumes to be around 20% higher than what’s normal for a Monday in late June.”
RAC Emergency Kit and Cooling Tips
The RAC recommended packing an emergency breakdown kit including plenty of water for all passengers, snacks that won’t melt, hats, umbrellas, sunscreen, emergency medication, a fully-charged mobile phone with the myRAC app downloaded, and means to secure pets. Drivers should also park in the shade, cover leather seats, and learn how to use their air conditioning systems effectively.
Dennis added: “We ask anyone who breaks down to be patient while breakdown providers prioritise the most urgent roadside jobs. The heatwave will affect services right across the UK and while all patrols will be working incredibly hard to assist drivers, longer waits are more likely. Staying safe in the heat is paramount, so we strongly recommend packing an emergency breakdown kit and waiting in the shade wherever possible.”
Gritters Return for Summer
In an unusual sight for summer, councils may deploy gritting vehicles to apply a fine layer of granite dust to help maintain traction on melting roads. Dennis explained: “At these kinds of temperatures, road surfaces will soften, with darker patches of tarmac often the clearest indicator. Drivers may therefore see councils deploying gritting vehicles - a sight normally reserved for the winter.” He also noted that water under vehicles is typically just condensation from air conditioning systems.
