Drivers across Moray are being urged to take extra care on the roads over the coming weeks as Moray Council begins its annual summer road surface dressing programme from Monday 1 June.

Around 22 miles of rural roads and urban streets across the region are scheduled for treatment during the six week programme as crews work through communities across Moray carrying out essential maintenance designed to preserve and extend the life of local roads.

Temporary signs will be placed throughout affected areas advising motorists to slow down to 20mph while work is taking place and during the period immediately afterwards when loose chippings can still remain on the road surface.

For many road users the arrival of surface dressing season has become a familiar part of early summer across the north of Scotland as councils take advantage of warmer and drier weather conditions needed to complete the work properly.

The process itself may look simple from the roadside, but it plays an important role in helping protect roads from wear caused by traffic, water ingress and harsh winter conditions while also improving skid resistance and overall road safety.

Surface dressing remains one of the most widely used and cost effective forms of preventative road maintenance carried out by local authorities across Scotland.

The work involves spraying a layer of hot bitumen onto the road before stone chippings are spread across the surface and rolled firmly into place to create a fresh protective layer.

Although roads are swept before reopening, drivers are being warned that loose stones can still remain for a short period afterwards and extra care should be taken particularly on bends and rural routes.

Pedestrians in built up areas are also being advised to avoid walking unnecessarily on newly treated surfaces and to check footwear before entering vehicles or homes.

Marc Macrae said the council recognised the disruption roadworks can cause during the busy summer period but stressed the importance of maintaining the network properly.

“We recognise that roadworks can cause some disruption, particularly during the busy summer period, and every effort will be made to keep inconvenience to a minimum for residents, businesses and visitors.

“Surface dressing is an important preventative treatment which helps extend the life of our roads and improve safety for all users.

“By following the temporary speed limits and taking extra care in affected areas, drivers can help protect both their vehicles and the newly treated surfaces while the work is completed safely and efficiently.”

More information about the programme and a map of affected roads is available here