A FLEET of gritters have been working on Hampshire's roads as the county prepares for heatwave traffic chaos this weekend.

They are normally seen preventing carriageways coming to an icy halt during the winter months.

But as temperatures continue to hit 30°C (86°F) in the wake of a 14 day heatwave, some road surfaces are beginning to melt and become sticky.

The council tweeted that gritting lorries have been sent out to dust the roads to keep the surfaces sealed.

This comes as heavy traffic is predicted on Hampshire's roads this weekend as the school summer holidays begin.

Traffic is forecast to build up from lunchtime today and it is likely to be heavy between 10am and 4pm tomorrow.

A spokesperson from the Highways Agency said the roads they cover are designed to withstand temperatures of -15°C (5°F) to 60°C (140°F).

They have reported road surface temperatures of up to 40°C (104°F).